Groundwater & Septic Systems

In conventional septic systems, waste percolates through the soil and is delivered pathogen-free to the groundwater. If groundwater is too near the surface, the pathogens in waste can contaminate it. Appropriate septic system designs can decrease or eliminate the danger of contamination.

Benefits

• Septic systems recycle household waste water, purifying it and returning it to the soil and nearby groundwater. This disposes of human waste and replenishes nutrients and water in a safe and useful way. This method is only effective if the groundwater, used for drinking and irrigation, is far enough below the land's surface to allow for proper treatment time.

Dangers

• If septic systems are built too close to groundwater, the harmful bacteria and organisms contained in human waste will not have enough time to be treated by the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the soil. Incomplete treatment allows pathogens to contaminate groundwater, making it harmful to humans and animals.

Alternative Systems

• To avoid groundwater contamination, groundwater levels should be ascertained and the appropriate septic system installed. One alternative is a system where drainfields are located in a mound higher than ground level. Another is installing additional peat or sand filters in a traditional septic system. Composting and incinerating toilets are also options when groundwater is too near the surface. Incinerating toilets burn the waste and turn it into sterile ash.