2.1.1.1 Septic Systems
Septic systems are small-scale, biological treatment systems intended to handle
residential wastewater (Figure 2.1). Household wastewater originates from
residential toilets, sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers. The wastewater
includes a wide variety of contaminants; among them are bacteria and viruses,
grease, synthetic organic chemicals, suspended solids, solid waste, organisms
that increase biological oxygen demand (BOD), and nutrients. Wastewater is
collected in a tank, acted upon and broken down by microorganisms, then is
flushed through a leach field that filters pollutants in the wastewater. These
systems are intended to treat septic tank effluent through filtration and
biochemical reduction and transformation of the pollutants (Winkler 1998).
When septic systems are properly designed and maintained through regular
pumping of the accumulated waste products, they pose minimal problems to
water quality. Septic system malfunctions may result from system overload, a
low population of microorganisms, overflow of solids into the leach field, and
clogging of the system. These overflows can pollute surface and groundwater
resources of a watershed. The location of septic systems is also a critical factor
influencing the level of contaminants in a watershed system, especially those
systems located in sensitive areas associated with the lake fronts, riparian areas,
coastal waters, and wetlands. Failing septic systems can pollute groundwater
resources. Groundwater contamination of wells and aquifers can have serious
impacts on public health and degrade freshwater supplies in a watershed.
Contaminated groundwater is difficult and expensive to treat, and in some cases
could be infeasible to restore.
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