Septic Tanks Private Sewage Systems
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YOUR GUIDE TO SEPTIC TANKS AND PRIVATE SEWAGE SYSTEMS Helping you to keep our rivers healthy This guide has PRIVATE SEWAGE NUTRIENT POLLUTANTS been produced by the Conserving TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND WATER Coniston & Crake project but the Anyone within the Coniston and Crake catchment not The main nutrient pollutant is phosphate which Some algal blooms, information within on mains sewage will have their own system, either a is found in many things like cleaning products, such as blue-green is applicable septic tank, a package sewage plant or a cesspit. fertilisers, animal excrement and our own sewage. algae (cyanobacteria) to anyone on a Some phosphates are removed from waste water at is harmful to wildlife private sewage It’s not just your toilets that flush into a septic tank, larger treatment works including the one in Coniston, and pets and it’s these water from your sink, shower, washing machine but smaller works or private sewage systems don’t blooms that are a system. and dishwasher all drain into it too. Private sewage have this facility. Phosphate removal from the settled concern in Coniston systems are all designed to take sewage and dirty solids can only be done at official sewage disposal Water. Not all algal water from your house and treat it before it goes sites. blooms release toxins, out into the environment. Bacteria breaks down the nor do they all behave There are hundreds of sewage then the liquids drain to a field or soakaway Too much phosphate pollutes water, leading to a and develop in the same private systems around or even a watercourse (subject to certain conditions) boom in algae numbers, or algal blooms. Invasive way so it can be difficult the catchment and we and solids are eventually removed by a licensed plants, such as the non-native New Zealand Pygmy without formal testing want to make sure that contractor - it is illegal to have your tank emptied by weed, thrive in these conditions, dominating their to tell if the blooms are they are working as anyone else because the contents have to be taken surroundings and changing the natural balance in harmful or not. they should do, with to an official sewage disposal site. and around the lake. as little sewage and Increased blue-green nutrient pollution as Your sewage can end up in our rivers and lakes! When algal blooms die back, oxygen is stripped from algae will threaten possible ending up in the water by the organisms that break them down, swimming and other our environment, and These systems should not normally have an starving plants and deep-water fish like the Arctic leisure activities on from there getting into environmental impact if they are properly looked Charr of the oxygen they need to live. The decaying Coniston Water, as the lake. after and will last for years. All systems need to invasive plant matter also smothers the bed of the has happened on be checked and emptied regularly - at least every lake impacting on spawning, leading to a further several occasions on Healthy, clean lakes and two years to keep them working properly. Poor decline in fish populations. In time, the lake margins Windermere. This will rivers with abundant maintenance can lead to inefficient performance, will change, the reedbeds will be affected and other impact on the tourism and varied wildlife whilst blockages and leakages can give off very invasive non-native species will thrive. industry as thousands draws people to the unpleasant smells and add untreated sewage directly of people visit the Lake Lake District. We want into the watercourse. District each year. and need a lake free of toxic algal blooms. We want to see wildlife thrive, we want to admire the beauty of the lake and to be able to sail on or swim in it without worrying about Remember you have a legal and social responsibility the cleanliness of the to keep your system in good working order. The water or getting ill. Environment Agency can prosecute if your tank ©fba causes a pollution incident. CONSERVING CONISTON & CRAKE YOUR GUIDE TO SEPTIC TANKS & PRIVATE SEWAGE SYSTEMS TYPES OF SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS MANHOLE MANHOLE SEPTIC TANK INLET SCUM OUTLET 1ST 2ND COMPARTMENT COMPARTMENT A septic tank is usually made up of two chambers and is buried underground. They can be built from brick, fibreglass or plastic. MANHOLE COVER The tank holds the sewage, so the solids will either SLUDGE Inspection & clean out fall to the bottom or float to the top. Bacteria in the tank helps with decomposition of solids. The SEPTIC TANK liquid drains through a pipe into a soakaway system 2 compartment or drainage field. This drainage is important as it CESSPIT removes any remaining pollutants before the liquid reaches groundwater. The solids build up and it is A cesspit is the simplest these that need removing . sewage system as it HOUSEHOLD WASTEWATER is just a holding tank. Toilet, Bath, Washing Machine, etc Septic tanks should be emptied at least every two There is no processing or years depending on size of tank and household. treatment involved. Cesspits need to be PERCOLATION AREA Gravel/Crushed stones PACKAGE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT emptied at least once a year, depending on size A package sewage treatment plant is more advanced of tank and household. than an ordinary septic tank - it’s like a mini version of DISTRIBUTION BOX a Utility Company-run sewage works. DRAINAGE FIELD This type of plant usually needs an electrical supply and will have a larger cover above ground. The A drainage field should sewage is biologically treated within the system. consist of a series of Bacteria breaks down the sewage, resulting in a pipes with holes that treated liquid that can be released straight into a allow the liquid to trickle watercourse (subject to certain conditions and/or through the ground. If permits) A drainage field is not normally required so you lift the manhole for suits properties with limited outdoor space. your tank you should be able to see the pipes. Package sewage treatment plants should to be The drainage field PERFORATED PIPES serviced annually and emptied at least every two should also be regularly years. checked as the pipes can become blocked over AIR VENT time. CONSERVING CONISTON & CRAKE YOUR GUIDE TO SEPTIC TANKS & PRIVATE SEWAGE SYSTEMS WISE WASHING & CLEANING SEE & SMELL REPLACING/ SEWAGE UPGRADING YOUR SYSTEMS Bacteria in the tanks help break down the waste Taking the time to check, maintain and empty your TANK so please make sure you only use cleaners and system not only saves you money in the long run, but ETIQUETTE detergents that are suitable for septic tanks and also helps prevent sewage leaking into our natural If your tank no are phosphate-free. There are a wide variety of environment. longer meets legal phosphate-free products at a range of prices from requirements or is What goes into budget supermarket to premium range. A few Check your system regularly for issues like dark, failing, then you do your system will minutes spent looking at labels will reward you in the smelly pipe discharge or slowly clearing drains. need to act. A good make a difference long term. Look out for signs that your drainage field may be licenced contractor to how well it clogged up. Is the area spongy or has lots of lush should be your first call works. Please avoid bleach and other harsh chemicals as vegetation? as they usually have the these will kill off the working bacteria in your tank. experience of what is Your system should be emptied regularly by a wrong or needed. There licensed contractor, who will transport the contents are also specialist firms BE SINK SAVVY to a local sewage works. Emptying by farmers is now who can also give advice. illegal unless they are a registered waste carrier Like any important Don’t pour food waste and purchase, it pays to do cooking oils down your If you are not sure about how well your system is your research. It may sink and as with your toilet working, then ask your emptying contractor for be a daunting prospect, don’t use harsh chemicals advice – they may be able to carry out a system so we have a recent or bleach. health check. installation by a local resident to share with you. A FLUSHING ANYTHING ELSE? SUCCESS It is also worth checking your plumbing and drainage Keep it simple when it connections to make sure that rainwater is running comes to your toilet and into the surface drain network rather than into your only flush the 3 P’s – pee, septic tank. Similarly, water from sinks, toilets and poo and (toilet) paper. washing machines should always go into the sewage system. Never flush cleaning wipes, wet wipes, facial wipes, Pipe misconnections can often be found in older cotton buds, sanitary properties, extensions and outbuildings/garages if products, nappies or washing machines have been plumbed in. condoms. Generally, you should also avoid pouring paints, oils Just some of the products and chemicals down the drains. If you’re washing to consider: Ecover, your car try to use eco-friendly cleaning materials. Magnum from Aldi, Bio-D, In the garden, reduce the use of fertilisers and Method and Ecozone. chemicals like slug pellets and weed-killers as these can all wash off into the surface drain systems and then ultimately into our becks and rivers. CONSERVING CONISTON & CRAKE YOUR GUIDE TO SEPTIC TANKS & PRIVATE SEWAGE SYSTEMS the old tank and was cemented into place to prevent LOCAL CASE STUDY - any movement in the event of flooding.