Septic systems can be a threat to the quality of groundwater sources, and a health issue if not properly maintained. Water that is discharged into the ground from a septic system contain nitrates, and phosphorus that can contaminate aquifers and nearby surface water sources, lakes, rivers and streams.
Homes that are not connected to a municipal sewage system need a place to discharge their waste water. This is accomplished by constructing a septic system that consists of a septic tank and a drainage field. The water from the home is first drained to a tank where solids are separated from the liquids. In the process of separation, fats rise to the top of the liquid and heavier solids settle to the bottom. The fats and other lighter solids remain on floating on the top until the tank is cleaned, and of majority of the heavier solids are decomposed by bacteria, the remaining that don't decompose also get pumped out at the time of a tank cleaning. As the tank fills and the separation process is completed, the water that is the tank exits out an outlet baffle to a drainage field on their property that is constructed of pipe and stone, or other methods, like dry-wells, galleries, or infiltrators.
This water that enters the drainage field, percolates into the ground, and eventually enters a groundwater source, evaporates, or is taken up by plant life. These are the natural methods remediation that occur when a septic system is functioning properly.
The contamination of natural water sources, groundwater and surface water, from a septic system can occur from a variety of reasons. The poor placement of a drainage field can feed waste water that has only been partially treated into a water source, poorly constructed leach fields can allow untreated water to escape before the treatment process has been completed. Clogged piping can cause untreated waste water to overflow to the grounds surface, and over developed land can cause a very high concentration of waste water in a particular confined area causing it to seep to the surface and flow directly into surface water sources.
Septic systems are one of the major sources of groundwater contamination leading to waterborne disease outbreaks, along with other adverse health effects. Bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that are present in sanitary waste water can cause a variety of diseases, including gastrointestinal illness, cholera, hepatitis A, and typhoid.
The proper maintenance of a septic system is very important in the prevention of groundwater contamination, along with watching for signs of failure due to other causes.
Old Fashioned Popcorn Cart Ideas Where To Buy Pillow Pet Website
No comments:
Post a Comment