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. The existing REPLACING AN OLD TANK electricity supply was kept for the new tank and is separately metered so costs are recharged to each property. The invoice for the work was split between A tank shared between 5 The homeowners and the Village Hall Committee the properties and each property paid the supplier houses (one permanent agreed that something had to be done and began directly. resident, others second with quotes from three specialists. A BioPure Sewage homes/lets) and the Treatment System was chosen. This is basically a Village Hall. In 2018 large plastic tank inside which waste is aerated by a it became apparent pump and broken down more efficiently and quickly that the tank was not than in the old septic tank. The liquid waste leaving One year on, the lawn working efficiently, the tank is so clean that it can be discharged straight looks as it did before, was too small for the into the beck without the need for a filtration area. the new turf having number of properties it bedded in well. One of served nor up to current Due to it’s location planning permission was the neighbours made a standards (based on needed (but this won’t always be necessary) but wooden cover for it and Environment Agency as Environment Agency binding rules were met a added small plant pot. data). discharge permit was not required. The contractor liaised with local building control as the work needed You wouldn’t know it It was a small brick to be certified. was there! septic tank with a pump chamber of some age. Installation was straight forward and the properties The system now meets The liquid waste was were only disconnected from a waste system for one legal requirements and pumped through a night. The area was re-turfed as there was heavy rain is no longer at risk of pipe across a beck to a during the installation. polluting the beck and filtration area situated the main river. There beneath a lawn. There is a recommended was also an overflow maintenance schedule directly into the beck. for the tank which will However rainwater and only need to be emptied ground water entered by a licensed contractor the tank as house every two years. gutters fed directly into it. There were many leaky joints in the underground pipes, the pump repeatedly burnt A specialist drainage firm was used to fix and clean out whenever there the underground pipes, treating the insides of the was heavy rain and pipes with a special coating. This was preferable to occasionally untreated having pipes dug up and replaced. Removal of the old waste discharged into tank and installation of the new system took about the beck! 2 weeks. The new tank was installed on the site of

CONSERVING CONISTON & CRAKE YOUR GUIDE TO SEPTIC TANKS & PRIVATE SEWAGE SYSTEMS SEPTIC TANK GROUP FIRST TIME SEPTIC TANK FOR FURTHER EMPTYING SCHEME SEWERAGE GOOD PRACTICE INFORMATION:

www.gov.uk/permits- The Conserving Coniston & Crake project has If you and your 4 you-need-for-septic- encouraged groups of neighbours to get together neighbours have issues Know your tank - tanks and co-ordinate the emptying of their septic tanks. with your septic tanks what type and where it is The project was also able to negotiate a reduction in such as difficulties www.britishwater. costs from the licensed waste carrier for each of the in emptying, or they co.uk/Publications/ householders involved. Usually four or five tanks can have caused pollution 4 Get it emptied at least every two years codes-of-practise. be emptied in one visit resulting in savings between incidents then United aspx £20 and £50 per household. Utilities may be able by a licensed contractor to investigate whether www.callofnature. So, talk to your neighbours or get in touch with South you can join the public 4 If you have a drainage field look out for info Cumbria Rivers Trust to see if there is a group in your sewer network. The signs of problems - smells, lush growth area. We can also help set one up. more properties that www.unitedutilities. can be included in the com application the better 4 Use phosphate-free products in the level of success. https://www. your sinks, dishwashers and washing unitedutilities.com/ Contact United Utilities machines help-and-support/ and ask about First Time wastewater-services/ Sewerage application. preventing-water- 4 Follow the 3 Ps rule: pollution-from-your- Pee home/ Poo (Toilet) paper FOR POLLUTION INCIDENTS: WELL-MANAGED TANKS, CLEANER WATER, HEALTHIER RIVERS AND LAKES The Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 807060

The Conserving Coniston & Crake project is also working with land managers and farmers across the catchment to look at ways in which they can reduce the amount of phosphate and sediment run-off, and protect watercourses on their land. The work includes fencing the becks, providing alternative drinking solutions and creating farm constructed wetlands.

CONSERVING CONISTON & CRAKE YOUR GUIDE TO SEPTIC TANKS & PRIVATE SEWAGE SYSTEMS This guide has been Conserving Coniston & Crake, a three-year produced by the National Lottery Heritage Funded project, Conserving Coniston with the aim of improving water quality, & Crake project with habitat and biodiversity in the Coniston assistance from The Lake and River Crake catchment area through District Foundation, Love practical conservation work and community My Beach Campaign and engagement. the Environment Agency. The project, initiated by the Coniston and Crake Catchment Partnership, is managed by South Cumbria Rivers Trust and supported by The National Trust and the Lake District National Park Authority.

MN@ConistonCrake Website: www.ccc.scrt.co.uk

South Cumbria Rivers Trust is a registered charity whose purpose is to protect, conserve and rehabilitate the aquatic environments of South Cumbria.

MN@SCumbriaRiversTrust Website: www.scrt.co.uk South Cumbria Rivers Trust, Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund The Clock Tower Business Centre, Low Wood, Ulverston, LA12 8LY. Office: 01539 530047. Registered Charity Number: 1114682.