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If a septic system is not properly designed and maintained, bacteria and nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) can readily pass through the soil to the water table and ultimately to the lake or a nearby well. In some instances, septic contaminants can move several hundred feet. Therefore, proper maintenance of lakeside septic systems is critical to water quality protection. This section describes how septic systems function and may be properly maintained.
Parts of a Septic System
A septic system consists of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield. Wastewater flows from the house to the septic tank. In the septic tank, most of the solids settle to the bottom and form a sludge layer that is partially decomposed by bacteria. Floating solids form a scum layer on the water surface. Baffles may be positioned in the septic tank to help prevent solids from flowing into and clogging the drainfield. Liquids from the septic tank flow into the drainfield where the wastewater is treated by filtration and microorganisms in the soil. Most commonly, the drainfield consists of a series of perforated pipes that allow water from the septic tank to slowly drain to the surrounding soils.
The following practices will help to reduce septic contamination problems and will prolong the life and efficiency of your septic system.
Septic System Maintenance Practices
Maintaining the Septic Tank
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Inspect the septic tank scum and sludge depth once a year. If the scum depth is within 1 inch of the outlet baffle, the tank requires cleaning. If the sludge depth is within 12 inches of the outlet baffle or within 18 inches of the outlet fitting, the tank requires cleaning.
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Pump the tank at regular intervals (usually every 2 to 3 years).
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To avoid overburdening your septic system with solids, do not use a kitchen garbage disposal unit.
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Do not use chemical agents to clean your system except on the advice of the county health department.
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Do not put harmful materials, such as fats, solvents, oils, paints, coffee grounds, paper towels, disposable diapers, cigarettes, sanitary napkins, or tampons, into your system.
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If your system is equipped with a distribution box between the septic tank and the drainfield, at 1-year intervals, allow one side of your system to "rest."
- If your system is equipped with a dosing chamber, be sure the submersible pump is operating and properly maintained for uniform discharge of effluent into the drainfield, followed by drainage between doses.
Maintaining the Drainfield
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Know the location of your drainfield.
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Keep automobiles and all heavy vehicles off the drainfield.
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Do not allow puddles of storm- water to form over the drainfield.
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Do not fertilize the soil above the drainfield.
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Do not stockpile snow or soil on the drainfield.
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Do not allow downspouts to drain onto or into your drainfield.
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Dense grass cover and other shallow-rooted plants are beneficial over a drainfield.
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Avoid planting deep-rooted trees and shrubs over the drainfield. Although they promote moisture removal from the drainfield, their roots may clog the drain tiles.
Water Conservation Measures
The less water you use, the better your septic system will function.
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Toilets are among the most water-consumptive appliances in a house. By installing a low-flush toilet, with a 1 gallon-per-flush capacity, instead of the 3.5 to 5-gallon toilets, you may reduce toilet water use by as much as-30 percent.
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Use low-flow, water-saving shower heads. This plumbing fixture can reduce shower water use by up to 50 percent but increases water velocity so the shower feels the same.
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Faucet aerators can decrease faucet water use by as much as 50 percent.
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Other simple things that can be done in the home include repairing leaky faucets and toilets; and using dish and clothes washers only with a full load.
