On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems GET PUMPED!

Overview Do you live in a rural area? Do you receive a sewer bill? 25% of the U.S. population utilizes a septic or on-site treatment system. (National Small Flows Clearinghouse) Do you live in a rural area? Do you receive a sewer bill? If you answered yes, I live in a rural area and no, I don’t receive a sewer bill you likely have a septic system. 25% of the U.S. population utilizes a septic or on-site treatment system (according to the National Small Flows Clearinghouse). In Nebraska, septic systems are the most common form of on-site treatment system. 25% of Nebraskans rely on septic systems, and approximately 33% of new home construction includes a septic system installation. GET PUMPED!

Septic System Basics What is it? How does it work? Uses natural processes Helps reduce health risks, contamination Proper design, installation, operation, and maintenance are critical How does it work? Two components: Septic tank Drainfield What is it? A septic system is designed to treat household wastewater, using natural processes, on-site. Proper wastewater treatment helps reduce health risks to humans and animals, and prevents surface and groundwater contamination. Proper design, installation, operation, and maintenance will provide years of effective, economical wastewater treatment. How does it work? A septic system has two main components: the septic tank – a buried watertight container made of materials such as concrete fiberglass, or plastic. the drainfield – also referred to as a leachfield, drainfield, or soil absorption system, consists of perforated pipes or chambers within a series of trenches or mounds lned with gravel and buried one to three feet below the surface. GET PUMPED!

Septic System Waste enters the tank from household plumbing and enters the septic tank. The tank holds the waste long enough to allow solids and liquids to separate and form three layers: Scum layer – solids lighter than water, such as greases or oils, float to the top Liquid layer – partially clarified wastewater Sludge – solids heavier than water settle at the bottom of the tank Treatment of the wastewater begins in the septic tank as naturally-occurring bacteria in the sewage work to break down the organic matter in the tank. Sludge and scum that cannot be broken down remain in the tank until it is pumped. The partially clarified liquid layer then flows through an effluent filter out of the tank and into the drainfield for final treatment. The wastewater (effluent) entering the drainfield may contain many potentially harmful microorganisms and pollutants, many of which can be effectively removed through soil treatment. Water flows through the perforated pipes or chambers and slowly trickles through the gravel and into the surrounding soil, where the natural processes in the soil complete the sewage treatment process. GET PUMPED!

Treat It Right! Proper and regular maintenance will: Save you money Protect your family’s health Protect the environment Your septic system reacts to how you treat it! Maintenance is a Must! Proper and regular maintenance of your septic system is essential to the system’s functionality. Septic systems need to be inspected and pumped on a regular basis to: Save you money! – Failing septic systems are expensive to repair and even more expensive to replace. Why do systems fail? Poor maintenance is most often to blame. Property with a useless septic system or one on the verge of failure causes its value to drop and may pose legal liability. The cost of replacing a system can climb into many thousands of dollars. Protect your family’s health. – Household wastewater contains many pollutants, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. A well-maintained, functioning septic system will safely remove these problem-causers and help keep your family healthy by ensuring groundwater and drinking water supplies are free from these pollutants. Protect the environment. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that more than 4 billion gallons of wastewater are discharged below the ground’s surface every day through septic systems. Non-functioning systems can cause groundwater contamination from inadequately treated sewage. Your septic system will react to how you treat it! Be conscious of what goes down your drain, because it will eventually end up in your septic system and could cause problems. In addition, know your system’s capacity, and don’t overload it—every time water goes down the drain, the septic system kicks into gear. GET PUMPED!

What NOT to Do: DON’T drive or park anything heavier than a lawnmower over any part of your septic system. DON’T plant trees or shrubs near/over your system. DON’T dump grease or fats down the kitchen drain. DON’T drive or park anything heavier than a lawnmower over any part of your septic system, which can crush the system and compact the soil. DON’T plant trees or shrubs near/over your system, as roots from these plants can damage the drainfield and/or tank. DON’T dump grease or fats down the kitchen drain, which can block or clog the system. GET PUMPED!

What NOT to Do: DON’T rely on commercial septic tank additives, cleaners, feeders, starters, etc. as a substitute for regular system maintenance. DON’T put items such as feminine hygiene products, facial tissue, diapers, cotton swabs, coffee grounds, latex paint, pesticides or other hazardous materials into the system. DON’T rely on commercial septic tank additives, cleaners, feeders, starters, etc. as a substitute for regular system maintenance. Some of these can have a negative effect on the system’s function. DON’T put items such as feminine hygiene products, facial tissue, diapers, cotton swabs, coffee grounds, latex paint, pesticides or other hazardous materials into the system. GET PUMPED!

What TO Do: DO direct all household wastewater into the system, including all sink, shower, toilet, washing machine, and dishwasher wastewater, all of which can contain pollutants. DO conserve water to avoid overloading the septic system. DO use chemical cleaners and detergents in moderation. DO direct all household wastewater into the system, including all sink, shower, toilet, washing machine, and dishwasher wastewater, all of which can contain pollutants. DO conserve water to avoid overloading the septic system. DO use chemical cleaners and detergents in moderation. GET PUMPED!

What TO Do: DO learn the location of your septic system, and keep a sketch of its whereabouts. DO keep records of any repair, pumping, inspection, or any other maintenance activity. DO have your system inspected every few years and pumped periodically by a licensed professional. DO learn the location of your septic system, and keep a sketch of its whereabouts. DO keep records of any repair, pumping, inspection, or any other maintenance activity. DO have your system inspected every few years and pumped periodically by a licensed professional. GET PUMPED!

Contacts Insert local contact information The Groundwater Foundation P.O. Box 22558 Lincoln, NE 68542-2558 402-434-2740 www.groundwater.org Insert your local contact information. GET PUMPED!