MAINTAIN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM FOR A HEALTHY ELK RIVER WATERSHED
Tips and where to go for help with septic systems in the Elk River Watershed
The mission of the Elk
River Watershed Improvement Association is to improve, protect, and conserve
the waters of the
Install it right!
§ Use only a licensed septic system installer: Call your county health department.
§ Install a larger tank or pump more frequently if you plan to use a garbage disposal.
§ Install septic tank at least 100 feet away from a well or spring and the absorption field at least 100 feet away from a well or spring.
§ Keep a map showing where your tank, distribution boxes, and lateral lines are. This is easiest during installation.
§ Keep the septic tank chamber accessible. Be sure the cover is securely locked and no larger than 12 inches in diameter.
§ Do not dig in, build over, or drive on your lateral field.
§ Do not plant any vegetation on your lateral field except grass. Roots from other plants will clog the lateral lines.
§ Divert water from downspouts and foundation drains away from your absorption field. Excess water can over load your system.
Maintain it for long life & clean water!
§ Never allow vehicles to drive over the septic tank or the absorption
§ Have your septic tank pumped by a licensed pumper every 2 to 4 years, until you know how fast sludge and scum layers build up.
§ An inspection now will alert you to when you need to pump the tank and if there are any existing problems.
§ Use water saving devices. Reducing water flow extends system life and reduces pollution.
§ Do not use any septic tank additives. They do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping and may shorten the life of your absorption field.
§ Do not dispose of solids, diapers, grease, gasoline, motor oil, pesticides, solvents or other toxic materials in home drains or toilets. Toilet paper and normal household cleaners are okay.
§ Do not go inside your septic tank. Deadly gases may build up inside the chamber.
On-site wastewater treatment systems or septic systems account for a large proportion
of residential wastewater treatment in the
State and county governments regulate treatment of sewage to protect human health and prevent water pollution. This includes both municipal treatment plants and on-site wastewater systems. Rural homeowners are responsible for assuring that their own septic systems are properly maintained.
Effective wastewater treatment systems are necessary to prevent the spread of disease and to keep pollutants out of surface and groundwater resources. They control:
§ Pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.) that makes water unsafe for human health.
§ Nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) that stimulate algae and other plant growth, leading to degraded habitat and fish kills.
§ Other pollutants, including toxics, oxygen-consuming organic matter, detergents and hazardous household chemicals.
Septic systems that are not properly installed and regularly maintained may release all these pollutants to our waterways and groundwater.
Types of Septic Systems
Rural homes typically have septic tank/soil absorption systems. These conventional systems use gravity to collect wastewater in the tank and to distribute it to a subsoil absorption field for further treatment.
Conventional septic systems are recommended for some sites because they are the least expensive and most easily maintained. However, there are alternative systems better suited to unfavorable sites, such as very shallow soils (over bedrock) or soils in a high water table.
How the Conventional Septic System Works
§ Septic tank: Separates the solids to prevent them from entering the soil absorption field. Heavy solids settle out to a sludge layer at the bottom. Lighter solids, fats and oils form a floating scum layer. Some pollutants in the wastewater are digested by bacteria, converting them to a gas that escapes or to a liquid that passes to the absorption field.
Measuring sludge & scum in a septic tank
§ Absorption field: A pipe carries the liquid effluent from the tank to a distribution system consisting of a distribution box and laterals. The laterals distribute effluent to the soil where liquid and remaining solids are stabilized by soil microorganisms and pathogens are destroyed.
Septic system with tank and lateral lines in gravel surrounded by soil for wastewater treatment
Barry County Health Department
Ph. 417-846-1071 Cassville
McDonald County Health Department
Ph. 417-223-4351 Pineville
Newton County Health Department
Ph. 417-451-6549
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Ph. 417-891-4300
Ph. 417-451-4155
Ph. 417-223-4775 Pineville
Ph. 417-838-1939
In
Benton County Health Department
Ph. 479-273-9011 Bentonville
Ph. 479-271-1060 Bentonville
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
Ph. 479-927-3257
In
Delaware County Health Department
Ph. 918-253-4511 Jay
Ottawa County Health Department
Ph. 918-540-2481
Ph. 918-686-7800
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
Ph. 918-787-7973 Grove
Drew Holt
Telephone: (417) 862-9284
Facsimile: (417) 862-1809
Return to http://extension.missouri.org/swregion/news