Every home produces wastewater. The water is produced through washing, bathing and flushing of the toilet. Before being released back into the environment, the water that is produced must undergo wastewater treatment.

Some homes in cities simply connect to a public sewer that takes care of all the treatment. Other homes, especially those in remote areas, depend on on site systems to treat wastewater. These systems are commonly referred to as septic tanks.

Septic tanks employ helpful bacteria to break down those organic wastes in the tank. Sometimes all of the waste cannot be broken down and a heavy solids settle to the bottom of the tank while light weight ones float on top. Much of the upper layer includes fats and oils that did not break down.

When water enters the tank from the inlet an equal amount leaves from the outlet. Every time a gallon of water is poured down the drain, another gallon will eventually leave the tank and head to the drain field. Once the liquid is in the drain field pipes it slowly leaches into the ground. With a gravity flow system, the water goes directly to the field. A pump system allows the water to enter a holding tank. Once it reaches the engineered level, the water is pumped to the drain field. The pump automatically turns off when the tank is emptied and remains off until enough water enters the tank to turn it on once again.

The drain field is designed so that water is filtered through layers of gravel and soil before entering the ground water supply. When properly designed the system does not allow any flow to reach the surface of the ground and only well filtered water enters the water table. This prevents pollution of surface and ground water.

If contaminated water leaks into a stream it can encourage unhealthy growth of microorganisms in the water that may pollute the stream. The additional organic material and chemicals can become so concentrated that the oxygen levels become too low and there is a fish kill. In addition, algae and other water plants can make a once clear stream or river an ugly mess filled with slimy weeds.

The sludge and scum that accumulate in a septic system lower its working volume. A grease interceptor can slow the accumulation. Regular septic pumping keeps these accumulations from accumulating and increases the working volume of the tank. If the scum layer is allowed to get too thick, it may eventually get into the drain field and cause it to fail.

Wastewater treatment is accomplished on site using a septic tank and drain filed. Well designed systems that work correctly prevent contamination of surface waters as well as ground water. Systems that are not working correctly lead to pollution of both surface and ground waters. The may cause fish to die and bodies of water to be polluted. Using regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs.