Did You Know... anaerobic bacteria. Grease and floatable materials that How Often Should I Have My ...almost 25% of the US population treats its rise to the surface of the wastewater are called scum. Septic Tank Pumped? domestic wastewater on- Some septic tanks are equipped with an outlet filter to There are no easy formulas for determining how often a site in septic systems? reduce suspended solids discharge to the disposal field. tank should be pumped. The frequency depends on the Though a simple The sludge along with the floating scum should be size of the tank, the daily flow and concentration of technology, the removed from the tank periodically by a professional septic wastewater into the tank, the number of persons served, processes that tank pumper. and if a garbage disposal or grinder is used. Arrange a treat the waste- professional inspection of your septic tank at least once water are quite every two years to determine if it is time to pump the complex and require periodic inspections and proper care. Septic Tank D-Box and SAS tank. On average, a tank needs to be pumped every Well-maintained septic systems provide effective protection 3 to 5 years. for human health and the environment from the poten- tially negative effects of wastewater.

Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their on-site or septic systems. This pamphlet explains how a typical septic system works and offers pointers on how Secondary Treatment to prolong its life. As with any home maintenance The remaining liquid, called effluent, may contain requirements, preventative care is less expensive than disease-causing microorganisms or pollutants that must repair. Properly maintained septic systems can provide a be treated. The effluent flows from the septic tank into lifetime of effective wastewater treatment. the distribution box or D-box, where it is evenly distrib- uted into several conveyance pipes. Drainage holes at What Is a Septic System? the bottom of each pipe allow the effluent to drain into What About Alternatives to the A conventional septic system consists of a septic tank, a the Soil Absorption System (SAS). Conventional System? distribution box (D-box), and a soil absorption system Normally, a conventional system effectively protects (SAS). In the SAS the effluent trickles slowly into the subsurface human health from the effects of wastewater, but soil where a slimy mass accumulates known as a biomat. certain soil conditions, groundwater, or site restrictions Primary Treatment This biological layer along with the unsaturated soil may make alternative technologies more appropriate. When you flush your toilet or run a washing machine further treats and purifies the effluent through infiltration, Alternative technologies generally employ a conventional the wastewater flows out of the house and into the septic filtration, adsorption, and aerobic bacterial digestion. This septic system with additional components that are tank. This wastewater remains in the tank temporarily so process is called secondary treatment. designed to reduce wastewater contaminants such as that the heavy solids and lighter scum have time to sepa- nutrients or pathogens. These components may require rate from the liquid. This separation process is called Even after secondary treatment wastewater still contains individual periodic maintenance attention and should be primary treatment. nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, that installed and inspected according to the manufacturers’ can pollute nearby waterways and groundwater specifications. Alternative technologies provide The solids that fall to the bottom of the tank are called supplies. Excessive nutrients in drinking water homeowners with cost-effective solutions for site restric- sludge and are decomposed by naturally occurring can be harmful to human health and can tion problems. For a listing of alternative technologies contribute to weed growth and algae approved by your state, contact your state agency or blooms in lakes and streams. Therefore your local board of health. the final level of protection requires set- backs from streams and potable water sources, which assures you that both drinking water and surface water are adequately protected.

Printed on Recycled Paper How Do I Maintain My Septic System? How Can I Learn More About My Septic S Keep maintenance records. System? S Know where it is and how your system is designed. More information about septic systems is available from S If you have a pumping mechanism know how it the EPA National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) What Do You works, what it does to warn you of potential through other brochures and a videotape entitled Your problems, and who to call in an emergency. Septic System: A Guide for Homeowners. Call 800/624- S Know the warning signs for failure: pooling on the 8301 or visit http://www.nsfc.wvu.edu. Contact your Know About... SAS, foul odors, patches of bright green grass, etc. local health department for specific information concerning your system location and details. Protect the Soil Absorption System S Know the size and location of the entire SAS. S Avoid planting shrubs or trees on the SAS. Plant grass. On-site Advice by State S Keep heavy equipment (cars, boats, trailers) off the SAS to avoid damaging the pipes and compressing Connecticut (Environmental Engineering) the soil. 860/509-7296 S Direct runoff from guttering, sump pump, or www.dph.state.ct.us Septic Systems: Your driveway away from the SAS to avoid oversaturating the soil. Maine (Wastewater and Plumbing Control Program) On-site Wastewater S Consider installing an outlet filter in your septic 207/287-5689 tank to protect the SAS from stray particles. www.state.me.us/dhs/eng/plumb/index.html Treatment

Protect the Organisms That Make It Work Massachusetts (Title 5 Hotline) 800/266-1122 S Never dispose of paint, thinners, photographic www.state.ma.us/dep/brp/wwm/t5pubs.htm solution, or other chemicals in your drains. They can kill the organisms in your system and interfere New Hampshire (NHDES ) with treatment. 603/271-3503 S Conserve water to avoid overloading your system. www.des.state.nh.us/ssb/ Fix leaking taps. S Do not use caustic drain cleansers. Open clogs New York with a drain snake and boiling water. NY DEC 518/457-2553 S Septic system additives and commercial cleansers Dept. of Health 518/402-7600 are unnecessary and can harm your system. www.dec.state.ny.us/ S Purchase environmentally friendly household cleaners. S Grease and fats should go in the trash, not the drain. Rhode Island (RIDEM ) S Solid trash like diapers, cigarettes, sanitary products, 401/222-4700 cat litter, plastics, or paper towels can seriously www.state.ri.us/dem/ reduce the efficiency of a septic system. Put litter in its place. Vermont (VTDEC) S Avoid automatic disinfecting toilet bowl cleaners 802/241-3822 that continuously release chemicals. www.anr.state.vt.us/ New England Interstate Water Most importantly, make sure that everyone in the family Pollution Control Commission knows how to protect the septic system from the inside We thank the following for providing information for Boott Mills South out. Teach children and visitors about what they can and this publication: 100 Foot of John Street U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 cannot put down your drains and you will protect your Lowell, MA 01852 system for a long life of service. National Small Flows Clearinghouse New England States Ph: 978/323-7929 S Fax: 978/323-7919 New York www.neiwpcc.org S [email protected]