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Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. Module 4:1. What is a Septic System?. Module 4:2. Photo credit: MOEE. Evapotranspiration. Septic tank. Leaching bed. Soil absorption. Well. Filtration and Treatment. Ground water. Streams, lakes. Waste to Water. Module 4:3. The Septic Tank.
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Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Module 4:1
What is a Septic System? Module 4:2 Photo credit: MOEE
Evapotranspiration Septic tank Leaching bed Soil absorption Well Filtration and Treatment Ground water Streams, lakes Waste to Water Module 4:3
The Septic Tank • Inlet pipe • Baffles • Water & anaerobic bacteria • Chambers • Partition wall with holes • Effluent filter • Outlet pipe Module 4:4
Inlet Baffles Module 4:5
Flow Through the Tank Module 4:6
Partition wall Module 4:7
Flow Through the Tank (cont’d) Module 4:8
Effluent Filters OSI Biotube Filter Zabel Effluent Filter Module 4:9
The Distribution System • Pump • Distribution box • Distribution pipes Module 4:10
Distribution Box Module 4:11
The Leaching Bed Module 4:12
The Importance of Soil Module 4:13
Septic System Capacity Determined by: • House size • Bedrooms • Sinks, tubs, toilets • Dishwashers, washing machines, water-using appliances Module 4:14
Location of a Septic System Module 4:15
Causes of Failing Systems • Improper siting or installation • Undersized tank or leaching bed area Module 4:16
Causes of Failing Systems • High groundwater table • Broken piping and compacted soils • Distribution box or header is off level • Faulty pumps Module 4:17
Causes of Failing Systems Poor maintenance: • Compacted soils and cracked pipes • Poisoning of bacteria by chemicals • Saturated leaching bed Module 4:18
How Do You KnowIf You Have a Problem? • Lush patches of grass • Soft & spongy ground • Pools of dark water • Toilets & drains gurgling or backing up • Odours Module 4:19
The Dangers 1. Bacterial contamination of drinking water Bacterial contamination of drinking water Module 4:20
The Dangers 2. Nutrient loading 3. Costly repairs and replacement Module 4:21
Proper Maintenance • Regular pump-outs • Regular inspections • Protect the leaching bed • Control your inputs Module 4:22
1. Regular Pump-outs Every 2-5 years (Depending on system size and load) Module 4:23
2. Regular Inspections • Be present for pumping • Check scum and sludge depth • Look for cracks • Check seal on tank lids • Listen for water • Check interior of tank Module 4:24 DO NOT ENTER THE TANK AT ANY TIME
3. Protect the Leaching Bed • Avoid compacting soils • Avoid damaging pipes • Avoid saturating leaching bed • Avoid planting trees near bed Module 4:25
4. Control Your Inputs • Conserve water • Reduce chemical use • Reduce solid waste Module 4:26
Unfriendly Items • 2-3 ply toilet tissue or facial tissue • Hair, dental floss, medicines • Kitchen scraps (eg. fats, oils or greases) • Chemical cleaners (eg. toilet sanitizers) • Paints or solvents (eg. nail polish remover) • Antifreeze, gas, motor oil • Cigarette butts Module 4:27
Additives • Starters • Feeders • Cleaners Look for an Environmental Choice Program seal of approval or better yet… Save your money! Module 4:28
Take Action • Know your system • Where it is and how it works • Be alert to changes • Prevent problems before they start • Regular pump-outs and inspections • Protect your leaching bed • Control what goes into your system • Research, learn & share information Module 4:29
Sources of Information www.orwc.uoguelph.ca www.oowa.org Module 4:30
Alternative On-Site Technologies • In use in Ontario since the 1970s • Include secondary and tertiary treatment units as well as other technology Module 4:31
Favourable Site Conditions For Alternative Technology • Cottages to full-time residences • Proximity to lakes and rivers • Shallow bedrock & high groundwater table • Clay soils • Sloped sites • Large concentration of houses on private services Module 4:32
Norweco Unit Discharging to a Shallow Buried Trench Bed Module 4:33
Shallow Buried Trench Disposal Field Module 4:34
Clearstream Unit Discharging to an Area Bed Module 4:35
Waterloo Biofilter Installation: In-ground Module 4:36
Waterloo Biofilter Installation- Above Ground Module 4:37
Ecoflo Biofilter Treatment System Module 4:38
Ecoflo Distribution System Module 4:39
Various Ecoflo Installations Module 4:40
Improving PerformanceAerobic Treatment Units Module 4:41
The Wastewater Garden • Treats all household wastewater (black + grey) • Treats wastewater using water-loving plants • Water removed by evapotranspiration) • Zero discharge = no release of nutrients or pathogens Module 4:42
Composting Toilet Photo courtesy of: BioLet Composting Toilets Module 4:43