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Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
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What is a Septic System?
Photo credit: MOEE
Waste to Water
Evapotranspiration Septic tank
Leaching bed Soil absorption
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Well
Filtration and Treatment Ground water Streams, lakes
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The Septic Tank
Inlet pipe
Baffles
Water & anaerobic bacteria
Chambers
Partition wall with holes
Effluent filter
Outlet pipe
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Inlet Baffles
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Flow Through the Tank
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Partition wall
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Flow Through the Tank (cont’d)
Effluent Filters OSI Biotube Filter
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Zabel Effluent Filter
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The Distribution System
Pump
Distribution box
Distribution pipes
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Distribution Box
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The Leaching Bed
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The Importance of Soil
Septic System Capacity Determined by:
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House size Bedrooms Sinks, tubs, toilets Dishwashers, washing machines, water-using appliances
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Location of a Septic System
Causes of Failing Systems ď ľ
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ď ľ
Improper siting or installation Undersized tank or leaching bed area
Causes of Failing Systems
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High groundwater table Broken piping and compacted soils Distribution box or header is off level Faulty pumps
Causes of Failing Systems Poor maintenance:
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Compacted soils and cracked pipes Poisoning of bacteria by chemicals Saturated leaching bed
How Do You Know If You Have a Problem?
Lush patches of grass
Soft & spongy ground
Pools of dark water
Toilets & drains gurgling or backing up Module 4:19
Odours
The Dangers
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Bacterial contamination of drinking water
1. Bacterial contamination of drinking water
The Dangers
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2. Nutrient loading
3. Costly repairs and replacement
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Proper Maintenance 1.
Regular pump-outs
2.
Regular inspections
3.
Protect the leaching bed
4.
Control your inputs
1. Regular Pump-outs
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Every 2-5 years (Depending on system size and load)
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
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3. Protect the Leaching Bed
Avoid compacting soils
Avoid damaging pipes
Avoid saturating leaching bed
Avoid planting trees near bed
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4. Control Your Inputs
Conserve water
Reduce chemical use
Reduce solid waste
Unfriendly Items
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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
Additives 1. 2.
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3.
Starters Feeders Cleaners Look for an Environmental Choice Program seal of approval or better yet‌ Save your money!
Take Action
Know your system
Where it is and how it works Be alert to changes
Prevent problems before they start
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Regular pump-outs and inspections Protect your leaching bed Control what goes into your system
Research, learn & share information
Sources of Information www.orwc.uoguelph.ca
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www.oowa.org
Alternative On-Site Technologies ď ľ
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ď ľ
In use in Ontario since the 1970s Include secondary and tertiary treatment units as well as other technology
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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
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Norweco Unit Discharging to a Shallow Buried Trench Bed
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Shallow Buried Trench Disposal Field
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Clearstream Unit Discharging to an Area Bed
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Waterloo Biofilter Installation: In-ground
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Waterloo Biofilter InstallationAbove Ground
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Ecoflo Biofilter Treatment System
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Ecoflo Distribution System
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Various Ecoflo Installations
Improving Performance
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Aerobic Treatment Units
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
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pathogens
Composting Toilet
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Photo courtesy of: BioLet Composting Toilets