Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

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What is a Septic System?M

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Photo credit: MOEE

Septic tank

Soil absorption

Ground water

Filtration and Treatment

Leaching bed

Evapotranspiration

Streams, lakes

Well

Waste to WaterM

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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 BafflesM

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Flow Through the TankM

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Partition wallM

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Flow Through the Tank (cont’d)M

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Effluent Filters

Zabel Effluent Filter

OSI Biotube Filter

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The Distribution System

Pump

Distribution box

Distribution pipes

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Distribution BoxM

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The Leaching BedM

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The Importance of SoilM

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Septic System Capacity

Determined by:

House size Bedrooms Sinks, tubs, toilets Dishwashers, washing

machines, water-using appliances

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Location of a Septic SystemM

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Causes of Failing Systems

Improper siting or installation

Undersized tank or leaching bed area

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Causes of Failing Systems

High groundwater table

Broken piping and compacted soils

Distribution box or header is off level

Faulty pumps

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Causes of Failing Systems

Poor maintenance:

Compacted soils and cracked pipes

Poisoning of bacteria by chemicals

Saturated leaching bed

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How Do You KnowIf You Have a Problem?

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Lush patches of grass Soft & spongy ground Pools of dark water

Toilets & drains gurgling or backing up Odours

The Dangers

Bacterial contamination of drinking water

1. Bacterial contamination of drinking water

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The Dangers

3. Costly repairs and replacement

2. Nutrient loading

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Proper Maintenance

1. Regular pump-outs

2. Regular inspections

3. Protect the leaching bed

4. Control your inputs

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1. Regular Pump-outs

Every 2-5 years (Depending on system size and load)

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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

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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Conserve water

Reduce chemical use

Reduce solid waste

4. Control Your InputsM

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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

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Additives

1. Starters2. Feeders3. Cleaners

Look for an Environmental ChoiceProgram seal of approval or better yet…

Save your money!

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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

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www.orwc.uoguelph.ca

www.oowa.org

Sources of InformationM

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Alternative On-Site Technologies

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 Installation- Above Ground

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Ecoflo Biofilter Treatment System

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Ecoflo Distribution SystemM

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Various Ecoflo InstallationsM

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Improving PerformanceAerobic Treatment Units

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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

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Composting ToiletM

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Photo courtesy of: BioLet Composting Toilets