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This article is part one of a three-part article on the basics of septic systems.

Thanks to Candace Balmer, a Water Resource Specialist for RCAP Solutions, the Northeast RCAP, who was the creator of a training presentation from which this article was adapted.

What is wastewater, and why do we treat it?

We all create wastewater multiple times a day – whenever we use the toilet, take a shower, or wash the dishes or our clothes. In general, residential wastewater is defined as any water generated by household fixtures. It’s what we dispose of down the drain at home.

In most cases, this used water needs to be cleaned before it’s put back into the environment or before we use it again. It’s for the benefit of the public’s health and the Earth’s health that we treat wastewater.

Of course, wastewater looks and smells bad. Beyond that, and more importantly, untreated wastewater can cause and spread disease. Untreated wastewater can have harmful effects to the water when it is returned to the environment. Sewage depletes oxygen in the water, is harmful to aquatic life and can result in excess nutrients being discharged into water bodies resulting in the  growth of nuisance vegetation.

What is a septic system, and why is it important?

In many places, especially large cities, wastewater is collected from a large area and treated at a central treatment plant. In other places, including many rural areas, it is treated close to where it is generated – in a septic system.

A septic system is an underground system that treats wastewater from an individual home. If your home is not connected to a public sewer, then it has or ought to have some sort of a septic system. Septic systems are regulated at a minimum by the state or the local health authority. Different states have similar but not identical requirements.

Reasons to understand septic systems:

• They are widely used, especially in rural areas.
• They are the primary alternative to central sewers.
• They treat wastewater and thus protect the public’s health, water resources and the environment.
• It’s the law: Public health and environmental laws require wastewater to be treated.
• Like other types of wastewater treatment systems, they recycle water back into ground, where it can be used again.

Another reason to understand septic systems is that they can cause harm when they don’t function properly:

• Failing systems can cause contamination of the ground and surface water. Poorly treated wastewater can percolate into the groundwater and even be carried through the groundwater to a nearby lake or river.
• Failing systems threaten the public’s health and the environment.
• You may have a functioning system, but what if your neighbor doesn’t? It may affect you – your property and health. Dirty water often doesn’t follow property boundaries.
• Untreated wastewater contains nutrients, which cause aquatic plants to grow, sometimes out of control. Excess nutrients from untreated wastewater can cause rapid growth of algae and other nuisance vegetation. Nitrogen and phosphorus are examples of nutrients that can be emitted from a substandard septic system. Nuisance growth can degrade water quality. It can impact drinking-water quality, recreation and aesthetic enjoyment, as well as commercial uses and environmental interests.

Finally, septic systems are regulated, so it is important to understand the laws you must follow. Your state sets minimum standards, but other  regional or local authorities may set standards at a more stringent level. You may be required to keep records, permits or other documentation to show the system has been inspected and has been functioning properly. In some states, an inspection may be required upon transfer of property. Realtors need to be aware of any requirements involving septic system condition disclosure requirements.

Part two of this article will cover how a septic system works.