What Soil Properties Are Critical To Successful Septic Tank? (Question)

Here are some of the properties of good soil for septic tanks: Soil Shouldn’t be Too Dense The soil that is used to create the drain field for a septic system and the soil that surrounds that drain field needs to be able to disperse the effluent that is created within the system itself.

What type of soil is good for septic system?

Soil Permeability Sandy soils feel gritty and can allow air and water to move rapidly through the soil. Clay soils are sticky and very dense, restricting the movement of air and water. The soils best suited for wastewater treatment are mixtures of sand, silt, and clays referred to as loamy soils.

How does soil affect septic tanks?

Soil-based systems discharge the liquid (known as effluent) from the septic tank into a maze of perforated pipes buried in a leach field that has been designed to slowly release the effluent into the soil or surface water. Without these organisms, your septic system might not work properly.

What soil features may limit the use of a site for a septic tank drain field?

The limiting layer may be bedrock, an impervious soil layer or the seasonal high water table.

Under what conditions do we make septic tank?

Septic tank systems Septic tanks are often used in rural areas, campgrounds, and picnic areas in place of sewer systems to treat human waste and separate solids and liquids in wastewater. The liquid portion of the waste is disposed of through a drain field where natural filtering takes place in the soil.

How much soil should be on top of a septic tank?

the depth of soil backfill over the septic tank lid or septic tank riser lid, ranging from 0″ (which means you should see it) to just a few inches (which means grass may be dead in this area) to 6-12″ or even more.

Will red clay soil perc?

Clay soils have notoriously slow percolation speeds of 0.1 inch or less per hour. These soils easily become waterlogged, and plant roots can suffocate as a result.

What is high intensity soil?

Soil surveys are classified according to the type and intensity of field examination. “1st Order” or “very intensive” soil surveys (“high intensity” soil survey used in this document) are more detailed and have a smaller minimum size delineation than the “2nd Order” soil surveys and use map scales larger than 1:12,000.

Is sandy soil good for septic?

Clay Soils cannot absorb sewage as rapidly as sandy or loamy soils and they become saturated more easily during winter months. Leachfields must be much larger in clay soils or they will become saturated, overloaded and fail. Sandy Soils absorb effluent more easily and are less prone to sewage failures.

What is a Level 4 soil test?

Level 4 – A very detailed soil study that consists of backhoe pits and/or percolation tests in the area of the drain field. A site that requires Level 4 testing usually has soil limitations that require the installation of an advanced, alternative septic system.

What is a Level 3 soil report?

A Level 3 Soil Survey is a test to determine if your soil is suitable for on-site sewage management system (a septic system). The tests evaluate a soils ability to percolate (“perc”) wastewater from a septic tank.

What are good perc test results?

A good perc rate for a septic system is between 1 and 30 minutes per inch. Between 30 and 60 minutes per inch might require hydraulic analysis for installing a septic system. Anything under 1 minute per inch or over 60 minutes per inch is not an ideal perc rate.

What are the three 3 bacteria that separates by septic tank?

Septic tanks work by allowing waste to separate into three layers: solids, effluent and scum (see illustration above). The solids settle to the bottom, where microorganisms decompose them. The scum, composed of waste that’s lighter than water, floats on top.

What to put in septic tank to break down solids?

Yeast helps actively breaks down waste solids when added to your septic system. Flush ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet, the first time. Add ¼ cup of instant yeast every 4 months, after the initial addition.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.

Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
You Hear Gurgling Water.
You Have A Sewage Backup.

How often should you empty your septic tank?

Soils types and their impact on septic systems

Even if your septic system is in excellent condition, it is dependent on the correct type of soil to finish the process of purifying the wastewater from your home. Depending on the soil type in the drainfield region, how well the effluent is filtered and whether or not the water that is returned to the water cycle is good enough will be determined. As a result, while installing a septic system, it is critical to have a thorough grasp of the soil makeup. Soil is composed of a variety of layers that are divided into four major categories: surface soil, subsurface soil, subsoil, and substratum.

Surface soil– also known as topsoil, this type of soil is generally black in color due to the high concentration of organic materials present due to the decaying organisms.

Typically, this is where the drain field is located.

Subsoil is the layer of soil that lies beneath the subsurface soil and is composed of a mixture of small particles of clay, silt, and sand, but it contains less organic matter than the surface soil.

Due to its composition of either unconsolidated sediment or bedrock, the substratum is sometimes referred to as a non-soil layer.

Morphological characteristics of soil

The morphology of the soil dictates the type of septic system that will be implemented as well as the effectiveness of the system after it is established. When planning a septic system, there are five crucial soil morphological aspects that must be taken into consideration. These are the ones:

Soil texture

The relative proportions of the various soil particles in the soil are referred to as the texture of the soil. The texture of the soil can have a negative impact on a soil’s capacity to process and safely dispose of wastewater, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and structure of the soil are all influenced by the texture of the soil. Soils with a heavy texture, such as clay soils, have poor drainage characteristics. As a result, water does not pass through them quickly enough to dispose of the necessary amount of wastewater.

When it comes to septic system design, soils are divided into four major groups based on the texture of the soil.

Sandy textured soils are classified into four groups: Group I
Group II
Coarse Loamy Textured Soils

Group III
Fine Loamy Textured Soils
And Group IV

Clayey Textured Soils.

Soils in Group I and Group II are the most suitable for use with traditional septic systems.

Group III and Group IV soil textures may need the construction of more sophisticated sewage treatment systems.

Soil structure

Soil structure is concerned with how individual soil particles are grouped together to produce bigger groupings of particles, which are referred to as aggregates in the scientific community. As a result of its structure, soil has an influence on water percolation, the capacity of soil to handle wastewater, and the quantity of air that may be introduced into the soil. There are five distinct approaches to characterize soil structure, which are as follows:

Absence of structure (e.g. single grain or massive)
Crumb and granular
Block-like

Platy
Prismatic
Absence of structure (e.g. single grain or massive)

Septic systems benefit from granular soil structure because it increases soil separation and internal drainage, which is perfect for septic systems. On the other hand, soil types with a platy, prismatic, or massive structure are not recommended for use with traditional septic systems. The huge and platy structures hinder aeration as well as internal drainage, whereas prismatic structures allow untreated wastewater to flow directly into the water table without being treated first.

Clay mineralogy

Clay mineralogy is concerned with the quantity of clay present in a soil, and this will have an impact on the percolation rate of the soil as a result. Generally speaking, there are two sorts of clays: 2:1 and 1:1. A 2:1 clay is one that expands significantly when wet, whereas a 1:1 clay just barely expands when wet. Clays with a 2:1 mineralogy (for example, montmorillonite) shrink when they are dry and expand when they are wet, as seen in the diagram. As the soil swells, the particles of the soil expand into the structural spaces, reducing the porosity of the soil in the process.

Consequently, soils with a 2:1 clay mineralogy are ineligible for the installation of traditional septic tanks.

That a result, they do not limit the flow of water to the same extent as their 2:1 counterparts do.

Soil consistency

The consistency of a soil is assessed by testing how well a certain soil can adhere to other things or how well it can form forms when pressed between two surfaces. When the soil is dry, damp, or even wet, it is possible to identify the consistency of the soil. Firmness, friability, and looseness are the characteristics that influence the consistency of most soils. It is possible that the soil may be particularly solid when wet, indicating that it contains expansive mineralogy, and it will be rated as unsuitable for septic systems.

It is possible to determine how effectively dirt adheres to other things by pushing the soil between two fingers: the thumb and forefinger.

The soil will get more sticky as a result of this. To determine the flexibility of the soil, roll a small amount of it between your thumb and forefinger. When the soil becomes extremely sticky and plastic when wet, it is deemed inappropriate for septic systems and is removed from consideration.

Organic soils

Organic soils are defined as soils that contain 20 percent or more organic matter to a depth of at least 18 inches and are rich in organic matter. If your soil falls within this category, you should avoid installing septic systems. Organic soils, on the other hand, tend to remain moist throughout the year because they drain too slowly. Organic soils are particularly susceptible to subsidence, which can cause damage to the septic system.

Soil wetness

Wastewater treatment cannot take place adequately in soils that are not sufficiently aerated. As soon as soils become saturated with water, the spaces are filled with water, leaving little or no space for air to circulate. Because moist soils lack adequate air circulation, they are unable to maintain a septic system. The color of the soil may be used to determine the amount of moisture in the soil. The term “chroma” refers to the relative purity, strength, and saturation of a soil’s color in terms of its color.

For example, moist soils have a chroma value of two.

When the water table is high during a certain season, the soil may become wetter than usual at regular times.

Constituents of wastewater and how they react with various soil types

Various elements of wastewater can have varied effects on the soil depending on their concentration. Check out the following examples of wastewater ingredients to see how they could react in different soils.

Organic substances

BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) are all metrics used to assess the concentrations of synthetic and natural organic chemicals in wastewater (COD). Ideal conditions exist when a well designed and maintained septic system can remove the majority of these components through the liquefaction process initiated by the bacteria. The leach field, on the other hand, continues to receive certain organic compounds that have gone through the septic tank.

Organic compounds are removed from the soil via a variety of processes, including filtering and decomposition, that occur naturally.

The bacteria in the effluent store polysaccharides in the form of slime capsules, which coat the soil particles and reduce the soil’s ability to percolate water through the soil.

When building a septic system, it is important to consider adequate size in order to avoid an excess of effluent in the leach field, which might worsen the biomat problem.

Nitrogen

Ammonia, ammonium, ammonium nitrate, nitrite, and organic nitrogen are all found in the effluent from septic tanks, as is nitrate and nitrite. Anaerobic bacteria produce these as by-products of the sewage treatment process, which is why they are called anaerobic bacteria. Even effluent from aerobic tanks, on the other hand, contains nitrogen in the form of nitrate. Nitrogen removal through sludge accounts for around 10% of total nitrogen removal; the remainder is removed by the soil through processes such as denitrification, volatilization, plant uptake, and adsorption, among others.

In aerobic circumstances, nitrate is mostly soluble and does not interact with the soil components in a positive manner.

Phosphorus

When it comes to phosphorus in septic tank effluent, there are two primary sources: washing detergents and human feces. Fortunately, anaerobic bacteria are capable of turning the majority of this phosphorus into soluble orthophosphates. To the contrary of nitrogen compounds, soluble phosphates react with diverse soil types and result in the removal of phosphate ions through numerous processes such as soil-plant interaction, plant uptake, precipitation, and biological immobilization (bio-immobilization).

Détergent surfactants

Surfactants, in general, can have an impact on the water retention and water transportation characteristics of soil. When the surfactant concentrations in the septic system exceed 30 mg/l, they have the potential to limit the hydraulic conductivity of the soil, which means that the wastewater will not be able to pass freely through the soil. The overall consequence will be that the water levels in the septic tank will increase over what is considered to be optimal. As a result of adsorption, anionic surfactants begin to build in the soil as detergent surfactants are removed from the environment.

This may be accomplished with relative ease by refraining from the use of detergents that include surfactants.

Toxic organic compounds

Toxic organic substances like as trichloroethylene (TCE), chlorinated hydrocarbons (MC), methyl chloroform, and others are widely found in chemical septic additives and cleansers. Trichloroethylene (TCE), chlorinated hydrocarbons (MC), methyl chloroform, and others are toxic organic compounds. If they reach the saturated zone, MC and TCE will sink to the bottom of the water phase, since they are denser than water and will sink to the bottom of the water phase. Several of these organic molecules remain in the sludge as a result of their inability to decompose, while others end up in the drain field and end up poisoning groundwater.

As a result, owners of septic systems should avoid the use of these compounds altogether. Biological additives, such as those manufactured from bacteria and enzymes and sold by Bio-Sol, are recommended for cleaning septic systems.

Bacteria

As single-celled creatures, bacteria are frequently found stuck in the pore spaces of soil particles, where they can cause significant damage. This is, in fact, an essential process since it aids in the removal of enteric bacteria from the effluent in the leach field, which is beneficial for the environment. This process also leads in the development of biomat, which aids in the entrapment of bacteria in the system. The attenuation of bacteria contributes to the prevention of groundwater contamination with disease-causing germs.

Furthermore, the attenuation of bacteria is controlled by the amount of bacteria present in the effluent, soil texture, loading rate, kind of bacteria present, soil moisture, and temperature.

Viruses

Viruses are not only smaller in size than bacteria, but they also function in a distinct manner in the environment. Natural die-off and enzyme assault are among the methods used to inactivate or remove viruses from the soil. Precipitation, adsorption, filtration, and natural die-off are among those employed. In fact, many of the same variables that influence the adsorption of bacteria by soil also influence the adsorption of viruses by the soil. There are several critical soil factors that influence viral adsorption.

How the soil type and its percolation impacts the performance of the septic system

The behavior of effluent is influenced not only by the element in question, but also by the state and composition of the soil underneath it. The degree of wetness is governed by a number of factors, one of which is the distance between the surface and the water table. Depending on rainfall patterns and human activities such as irrigation and stormwater management, the depth of the water table can change significantly. When building a septic system, it is critical to consider how much vertical separation there should be between the water table and the bottom of the drain field.

It is more difficult for water to move through unsaturated soil than it is for water to go through more saturated soil in the same area.

When building a septic system, it is vital to consider the depth of the water table during the rainy season, which is measured in feet.
When the wet season arrives, soils with impermeable horizons are more likely to create perched water levels.
In the course of the site research, it is critical to take note of several significant soil features such as the texture of the soil, the presence or absence of cemented layers, the degree of aggregation of soil particles, and the level of the water table during the rainy seasons.

For example, it may be necessary to create alternative systems such as mounds in order to increase the distance between the rainy season water table and the bottom of the system during the dry season.

The same procedure may be required in the case of cemented soil, clay soil, or in the case of any other unacceptable conditions that may be discovered during the site assessment.

Conclusion

There are some soils that are not suited for typical septic systems, and installing septic systems on these soils without taking the proper precautions can result in a variety of problems, including water pollution. Clay soil is extremely compact and does not allow for the passage of wastewater through it to occur. As a result, clay soils have the potential to cause blockages in the leach field. The optimal soil for a septic system is one that is somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between gravel and clay.

This soil offers the ideal characteristics for filtering wastewater while yet enabling it to soak through and into the surrounding environment.

How Does Soil Affect Your Septic System

Riverside, California 92504-17333 Van Buren Boulevard Call us right now at (951) 780-5922. Preparation of the soil for a septic system installation is essential before the system is established to guarantee that the soil is capable of handling the septic system effectively. The health and function of your system are greatly influenced by the health and function of your soil. Septic tanks discharge liquid (known as effluent) onto a leach field, which is a network of perforated pipes buried in the ground and designed to slowly release the effluent into the surrounding soil or surface water.

It is possible that your septic system will not function correctly if these organisms are not present.

Clay Soils

Clay soils are often quite compact and do not provide for sufficient space for effluents to flow freely through the ground. Clay is also known to form strong interactions with sodium molecules in wastewater, preventing the effluent from draining correctly and contributing to drainfield failure.

Gravel or Coarse Soil

On the other hand, soils that are predominantly composed of gravel and are extremely coarse might enable effluent to travel through too rapidly, resulting in your water not being fully filtered as it should. It is nevertheless possible for gravely soil to be successful at filtering if the soil is deep enough. If the soil is seriously deficient, it is usually possible to correct the situation by bringing in additional soil.

The “Ideal” Soil

The best soil for septic systems is between in the middle of clay and gravel soil, with a healthy combination of fine and coarse particles that promote percolation and drainage while allowing for proper drainage. Soil testing will assist you in determining whether or not your present soil is suitable for a septic system installation. Depending on the findings of the testing, our septic specialists may be able to work around the soil difficulties by using treatment products or by bringing in outside soil to assist remedy the situation.

A soil test is always necessary prior to the issuance of any building permits for new construction.

When in doubt about whether your soil is suitable for septic system installation, call us at (951) 780-5922 as soon as as to discuss your situation. If you have any questions, we have specialists standing by to help you resolve them and get your system back up and running.

How Soil Impacts your Septic System – Septic Maxx

The usage of septic systems allows isolated homes that are not connected to municipal sewer systems to have low-cost sewer services. They are reliant on a variety of biological activities as well as human intervention in order to function effectively. The soil is one of the most important participants in the septic activity. Generally speaking, soil works in two ways to prepare wastewater for re-entry into the earth. Water that has been properly treated is essential for sustaining the health of ground and surface waterways, which are largely reliant on for drinking water.

The Journey of Effluent

The water that has been running after you turn off the shower or sink or flush the toilet continues to flow. If you use a septic system for your sewer treatment, this water will first pass through the septic tank, where it will go through a process that separates heavy particles from lighter items such as oils and grease before exiting the system. Heavier solids sink to the bottom of the tank and accumulate to produce a sludge layer, while lighter materials float to the top of the tank and accumulate to form a scum layer.

When the effluent leaves the treatment plant, it goes to the distribution box, where it flows via a series of pipelines until arriving to the drainfield.

Soil Beneath the Drain Field

The soil underneath your drainfield serves as the final stage in the treatment of the wastewater that has traveled through your septic system and into the ground. The primary function of soil is to act as a natural filter for water and other substances. Soil is made of 50 percent solid elements and 50 percent pore space, according to the International Soil Association. Minerals and rotting plant and animal remnants, as well as organic stuff, make up the solid components of the structure. In order to determine how successfully the soil filters incoming wastewater, the texture of the soil is critical.

It is the proportion of these three particles in the soil that determines how well the soil is able to store water and finally enable it to access the ground surface.

Physical Water Treatment

Water travels through the soil in your drainfield, allowing big particles to be filtered out while smaller particles are absorbed into the soil or adhere to the soil surface. Positively charged chemicals and viruses are attracted to and retained by negatively charged soil particles. Minerals in soil can also bond with contaminants, as previously stated. The physical features of soil also help to extract nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen from the environment.

Biological Water Treatment

The soil has a diverse range of bacteria that are dependent on the organic material in the wastewater for their survival. The bacteria, algae, protozoa, fungus, rotifers, and nematodes found in a conventional wastewater treatment system are all harmful to the system’s operation. In wastewater, aerobic bacteria are the most effective in degrading the compounds that are present. The survival of this species of bacterium is dependent on the presence of oxygen. Additionally, anaerobic bacteria can be discovered in your sewage system, namely in your septic tank.

This is why soil that has been oversaturated with water is not a suitable filter, since it prevents oxygen from being absorbed, enabling anaerobic bacteria to flourish.

It is critical to apply an all-natural septicadditive on a monthly basis in order to replace the “good bacteria” in your septic system. Call 800-397-2384 today to for a free trial!

Soil Evaluation for Home Septic Systems

The first stage in the construction of a septic system is to analyze and define the soil conditions on the site. The soil in a septic system is the most significant component since it is an excellent substrate for wastewater treatment. The system designer utilizes information about the soil to determine the type and size of the system to be installed.

Role of Soil in Wastewater Renovation

The septic tank is responsible for removing bigger particles and fats from wastewater in a septic system. A variety of pollutants are still present in the wastewater that runs out of the septic tank, and these contaminants must be eliminated before the water may be safely released into surface or groundwater. The wastewater from a septic tank includes bacteria that can cause illness in humans. In addition to producing unpleasant odors, organic matter in effluent and nutrients in wastewater (nitrogen and phosphorus) can have a negative influence on aquatic life.

Soil Depth

The sort of treatment system that may be employed on a property is determined by the depth of the soil. Soil treatment systems are best suited for the deepest soils—those that are more than 3 feet deep to a limiting layer (also called leach field systems). Because the majority of Ohio’s soils (84 percent) are shallower than 3 feet in depth, the designer must take soil depth into consideration while selecting the most effective treatment technique (Figure 1). Generally speaking, a limiting layer is a zone in the soil profile that is ineffective in treating wastewater.

In addition, the depth at which the soil is saturated with water for many weeks each year is considered a limiting layer in soil erosion.

Bedrock that has been fractured

Sand and gravel layers
Bedrock that is hard and solid
Glacial till that is dense and compacted

Pans with a lot of density or layers of cement, such as fragipans Water tables are defined as zones of seasonal, perched, or long-term saturation.

Soil Permeability

Permeability is a term used to describe the ability of soil to transfer water through it. Permeability is calculated based on the texture and structure of the soil. The relative amounts of sand, silt, and clay in a soil’s texture are referred to as its texture. Sandy soils have a gritty feel to them and can allow air and water to circulate quickly through the ground. Clay soils are sticky and extremely thick, making it difficult for air and water to move freely through them. Loamy soils, which are combinations of sand, silt, and clays, are the best soils for wastewater treatment since they are well adapted for this purpose.

The soil particles bind together to create structural units as a result of their adhesion.

The soil’s structure generates routes in the soil profile that allow for the circulation of air and water through the soil profile (Figure 2). The structure of the soil changes as it is dug deeper. Surface layers may be granular, whilst underneath layers may be blocky or enormous in appearance.

Soil Saturation

When the soil is saturated with water, it is unable to take wastewater and remove toxins from the environment. If surface and groundwater are contaminated by bacteria that might cause illness, the water that drains away will carry these contaminants with it. Even if the job is being carried out during a particularly dry time of year, a soil assessor must search for evidence of saturation in the soil. The hue of the soil is used to show that the soil has been moist for a period of several weeks each year.

The minerals that give the soil its brown hue can also breakdown and wash away when exposed to high water pressure, leaving behind gray-colored residues.

Soil and Site Evaluation

Soil that has been saturated with water is unable to absorb wastewater and remove toxins from the environment.’ If surface and groundwater are contaminated by bacteria that might cause illness, the water that drains away will carry those contaminants with it. Even if the job is being carried out during a very dry time of year, a soil assessor must search for evidence of saturation. For many weeks each year, soil color is utilized to signal that the soil is damp. Organic matter collects in the soil after it has been moistened, giving the soil a dark appearance.

Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment: The Role of Soil

This NebGuide covers the significance of soil in the treatment of onsite wastewater in a municipal setting. Jan R. Hygnstrom is the Extension Project Manager at the University of Minnesota. Sharon O. Skipton, Extension Educator Wayne Woldt, Extension Specialist Sharon O. Skipton, Extension Educator

In this section, we will discuss what soil is, what role soil plays in wastewater treatment, and what role soil plays in wastewater recycling.

In rural areas, the most often used onsite wastewater treatment system is comprised of a septic tank and a drainage field. In addition to soil parameters, the design, installation, and maintenance of an onsite wastewater treatment system are also important factors in determining its performance. This NebGuide will explain the critical function that soil plays in the treatment of wastewater and the return of treated wastewater to the environment through the use of a conventional or gravelless drainage system.

As a result, it is critical that wastewater be treated in order to eliminate germs and other contaminants.

What Is Soil?

Solid material makes up around half of soil, with the remaining half consisting of pores (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Soil components in typical proportions.

The solid substance is composed of minerals as well as the rotting remnants of plants and animals, together referred to as organic matter. The texture of a soil is determined by the quantities of different-sized mineral particles present in it. Sand particles (ranging in size from 0.05 to 2.0 mm) are visible to the naked eye and have a rough or gritty feel to them. Silt particles (0.002-0.05 mm in size) are best visible under a microscope and have a texture similar to wheat. When moist, clay particles (less than 0.002 mm in size) may be seen under a microscope, and they condense to create a sticky mass.

Sand, silt, and clay are all present in small amounts in soil.

Generally speaking, loam is composed of sand, silt, and clay; a sandy loam comprises a significant amount of sand but also contains enough silt and clay to make it slightly sticky.

At the end of the day, the texture of a soil has an impact on its ability to retain and convey water.

What Role Does Soil Play in Wastewater Treatment?

When it comes to many onsite wastewater treatment systems, soil is the most essential treatment mechanism. This includes standard or gravelless drainfields and mound systems, among others. In addition to the physical features of the soil, soil may also operate as a location for biological activity, which are both essential methods of wastewater treatment. It processes wastewater by removing particles, eliminating certain chemicals and minerals, and functioning as a site for the destruction of pathogens, among other things.

It is necessary to filter away large particles in the wastewater, including microorganisms.

Because soil particles have a negative charge, they will attract and hold chemicals and viruses that have a positive charge.
By eliminating some of the nutrients from wastewater, soil can aid in its treatment.
The ammonia produced by the septic tank is the most common source of nitrogen (NH 3).

Nitrate is a water-soluble compound with a negative charge.
When nitrate levels in drinking water reach dangerously high levels, it can cause disease in newborns and other sensitive groups.
The absorption of nitrogen by plants throughout the growth season, as well as a process known as denitrification, both contribute to the treatment of nitrogen to some extent.

Anaerobic bacteria convert nitrate to nitrogen gas if there is a carbon food supply, such as dead plant material or other organic matter, and the gas is allowed to escape into the atmosphere, which is the case in most cases.

Nitrate contamination of groundwater is extremely difficult to remediate.

Diluted groundwater’s efficiency is dependent on several factors, including the quantity of nitrogen being created, the amount of nitrogen that is already present in groundwater, and the amount of groundwater accessible.

Depending on the pH of the soil, it is eliminated by chemically bonding with minerals such as calcium, manganese, and iron, among others.

Providing that the wastewater treatment system is operating effectively and that suitable setback distances from surface water are maintained, the migration of phosphate into groundwater or surface water should be kept to a minimum.

phosphorus in groundwater acts as a fertilizer for algae and other aquatic plants, causing algal blooms in lakes and ponds.

Biological Activity in the Soil Therefore, soil has a diverse biological population; one tablespoon of soil may contain more than one million tiny creatures, including bacteria and protozoa, as well as fungus, among other species.

Aerobic bacteria, or bacteria that require oxygen to survive, are more effective in degrading compounds in wastewater than anaerobic bacteria, or bacteria that do not require oxygen.

The soil at the site of a drainfield must not be soggy or saturated with water, since this will cause the drainfield to fail.

The soil is often an unfavorable habitat for bacteria found in wastewater, owing to factors such as temperature, wetness, and the presence of soil predators.

On the contrary, viruses have a positive charge, which allows them to attach themselves to negatively charged soil particles.

The soil holds certain pathogens, which are killed by variations in temperature, moisture, food availability and other environmental factors.

Other infections are suppressed or destroyed by antibiotics that are naturally produced by soil fungus and other organisms, such as bacteria. Others are preyed upon by soil bacteria and are practically devoured alive as a result.

What Role Does Soil Play in Wastewater Recycling?

Wastewater from soil-based wastewater treatment systems eventually returns to the water cycle, either by percolating through soil to groundwater or evaporating from soil and plants into the atmosphere, depending on the system. In the case of a lagoon, water evaporates and is released into the atmosphere. Onsite wastewater treatment systems are governed by Title 24 of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ), which contains rules and regulations for the design, operation, and maintenance of on-site wastewater treatment systems.

Moisture and air movement through an earthen soil are influenced by the texture of the soil — the amount of sand, silt, and/or clay particles present in the soil.
If the soil percolation rate is more than five minutes per inch of soil depth, a loamy sand liner must be constructed in the drainfield to delay the passage of the water.

When soils have a percolation rate slower than 60 minutes per inch, a lagoon system is an alternative for lots that are at least three acres in size and have a percolation rate slower than 60 minutes per inch.
When it comes to safeguarding groundwater quality, the depth of the groundwater is a critical factor to consider.
This is especially true if the land above the groundwater table is sandy or gravelly.

When all of the soil pore spaces are completely filled with water, wastewater may move through the soil at a speed that is too sluggish for the soil to receive all of the waste that needs to be treated.
Under Nebraska laws, a minimum of 4 feet of vertical separation between the bottom of the drainfield and groundwater is required.

This distance is required to filter and treat wastewater, as well as to limit the possibility of groundwater pollution from contaminating the wastewater.

This helps to guarantee that wastewater is properly treated before it enters a stream or lake.

Flooding on an irregular basis diminishes the efficiency of the system, but flooding on a regular basis can ruin its efficacy as well as contaminate surface water sources.

The soil survey report includes information on soil characteristics such as soil type, soil permeability, depth to bedrock or seasonal high groundwater table, and slope, as well as drainfield restriction ratings for each kind of drain.

The soils on this location are two distinct types: Fillmore silty clay loam (Fm) and Holdrege silt loam (Hl) (HoB).

Fillmore silty clay loam is a deep, poorly drained, almost level soil in a shallow basin-like depression.

Because of its low permeability, surface water may occasionally pool on the surface.

Because wastewater does not readily pass through this soil, Fillmore silty clay loam may be a viable choice for use as a wastewater treatment plant or lagoon.

In addition to Holdrege silt loam on 1 to 3 percent slopes, another soil type was discovered as a deep, well-drained, very gently sloping soil.

According to the soil study report, the Holdrege soil is the most suitable place for a drainfield in this particular instance.

Title 24 of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality requires that a drainfield be located in accordance with a variety of criteria, including separation distances of at least 50 feet from surface water, 100 feet from a private water supply, 5 feet from property lines, and specific distances from different types of building foundations.

It is also necessary to designate a reserve site, which will act as a backup location in the event that the primary drainfield fails.
The soil map depicts the location of soil borders, although its accuracy is restricted by the map’s size.
It is possible that the soil textures and permeabilities of these inclusions will differ from those shown for the wider region.
Depending on whether or not the soil has an acceptable percolation rate for a drainfield, the percolation test results and wastewater generation estimates based on the number of bedrooms in the residence are used to determine the size of the drainfield that will be required.

In this case, the soils map provides an indication of what may be expected in the event that a drainfield is erected, but it does not typically give enough information to design or scale the system.

Figure 2. Typical soil map of central Nebraska in upper portion, showing soils found in that region. The enlarged building site at the bottom of the figure shows small areas of differing soils, called inclusions, too small to appear on a soil map.

Summary

A significant function for soil in the effluent treatment of an onsite wastewater treatment system has been demonstrated. When selecting and building the sort of onsite wastewater treatment system that is most appropriate for a given area, soil parameters, site appraisal, and projected wastewater generation information are all important considerations. Part of the money for materials development came from the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region VII and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, both of which were authorized to do so under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act (Nonpoint Source Programs).

If you’re looking for more publications, check out the University of Nebraska–LincolnExtension PublicationsWeb site.

Integrated Waste Management Systems for the Home (2002, 2006, revised May 2011)

Septic System Basics

When a household isn’t connected to a public sewage system, it normally relies on septic systems to treat and dispose of wastewater. Sewage treatment systems require a substantial financial commitment. If properly maintained, a well-designed, installed, and maintained system will provide years of dependable, low-cost service. A failing system, on the other hand, can become a source of pollution and public health concern, resulting in property damage, ground and surfacewater pollution (including well water from both your own and your neighbors’ wells), and disease outbreaks, among other problems.

Aside from that, if you are planning to sell your property, your septic system has to be in good functioning order.

There are many different types of septic systems that are designed to work with a variety of soil and site circumstances.

In areas where public sewers are not available, households that do not have access to them rely heavily on septic systems to treat and dispose of wastewater. Septic systems require a considerable financial outlay of resources. If properly maintained, a well-designed, installed, and maintained system will provide years of dependable, low-cost service. A failing system, on the other hand, can become a source of pollution and public health concern, resulting in property damage, ground and surfacewater pollution (including well water from both your own and your neighbors’ wells), and disease outbreaks, among other things. Eventually, your septic system will become ineffective and will need to be replaced, which will cost you thousands of dollars. In addition, if you want to sell your property, your septic system must be in good operating order to be considered for financing. Understanding and caring for your septic system makes excellent sense. There are many different types of septic systems that may be installed to accommodate a variety of soil and site characteristics. Understanding the basic components of a normal (gravity fed) septic system, as well as how to keep it working properly and at the lowest possible cost, can help you save money in the long run.A standard septic tank system is composed of three major components:

Septic System Inspection Done at Home In order to aid you in examining your system, a VideoField Guide and Checklist may be available at the bottom of the homepage.

Homeowners and residents have a significant impact on the functioning of their septic systems. Overloading the system with more water than it is capable of handling might result in system failure. A septic system can also be damaged by the improper disposal of chemicals or excess organic waste, such as that produced by a trash disposal. The following maintenance suggestions might assist you in ensuring that your system provides long-term, effective treatment of domestic waste.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

The most critical step in keeping your septic tank in good working order is to eliminate sludge and scum build-up before it may flow into the drainfield. The frequency with which your tank has to be pumped is determined by the size of the tank, the number of people in your family, the quantity of water utilized, and the amount of solids (from humans, garbage disposal, and any other waste) that enter the tank’s drainage system.

Tanks should be pumped out on average every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage. For further information, please see:

Septic Inspection and Pumping Guide
Inspecting Your Septic Tank
Septic Inspection and Pumping Guide

Use Water Efficiently

System failure is frequently caused by an excessive amount of water. The soil beneath the septic system must be able to absorb all of the water that is used in the residence. Too much water from the washing machine, dishwasher, toilets, bathtubs, and showers may not provide enough time for sludge and scum to separate properly in the drain. The less water that is consumed, the less water that enters the septic system, reducing the likelihood of system failure. For further information on water conservation, visit:

Indoor Water Conservation
Every gallon of water conserved equates to a savings of $1.00.

Minimize Solid Waste Disposal

What you flush down the toilet can have a significant influence on the performance of your septic system. Many things do not breakdown properly, and as a result, they accumulate in your septic tank. If you have the option of disposing of it in another manner, do so rather than introducing it into your system.

Keep Chemicals Out of Your System

Protect your septic system against home chemicals such as caustic drain openers, paint and pesticides. Also avoid flushing down the toilet with chemicals such as brake fluid, gasoline, and motor oil. The improper dumping of dangerous substances down the drain is damaging to the environment, as well as the bacteria that are necessary for the breakdown of wastes in a septic system, and should be avoided.

Septic System Additives

It is not essential to add a stimulant or an enhancer to a septic tank in order to assist it in functioning or “to restore bacterial equilibrium.” The naturally occurring bacteria required for the proper operation of the septic system are already present in human excrement. Septic systems, like automobiles, are designed to offer long-term, effective treatment of residential waste if they are properly run and maintained on a regular basis. The majority of systems that fail prematurely, on the other hand, are the result of poor maintenance.

In the event that your septic system fails, call Thurston County Environmental Health at 360-867-2673 for assistance.

Odors, surface sewage, moist areas, or a dense growth of plants in the drainfield region are all possible problems. Backups from the plumbing or septic tank (which are often a dark liquid with a foul odor)
Fixtures that take a long time to drain
The plumbing system is making gurgling sounds. Your drainfield may be failing if you have a well and tests reveal the presence of coliform (bacteria) or nitrates in the water from it. Even in the midst of a drought, the drainfield is covered with lush green grass.

Alternative Septic Systems For Difficult Sites

Drainfield odors, surface sewage, moist areas, or a dense growth of plants in the drainfield region are all signs of trouble. Drainage or sewage backups (which are often a dark liquid with an unpleasant odor); Fixtures that are slow to drain; Plumbing system is making gurgling noises A malfunctioning drainfield may be indicated if you have a well and testing reveal the presence of coliforms (bacteria) or nitrates. With spite of the dry weather, the drainfield is blanketed in lush green grass.

MOUND SYSTEMS

Mound systems are often two to three times more expensive than ordinary septic systems, and they need more frequent monitoring and maintenance. To see a larger version, click here. Ohio State University Extension provides the following information: The mound is comprised of a network of tiny distribution pipes that are embedded in a layer of gravel on top of a layer of sand that is normally one to two feet deep. Topsoil is applied to the tops and sides of the structure (see illustration). A dosing chamber (also known as a pump chamber) is included in a mound system, and it is responsible for collecting wastewater that is discharged from the septic tank.

Most feature an alarm system that notifies the owner or a repair company if the pump fails or if the water level in the tank increases to an unsafe level.

Aside from that, monitoring wells are frequently placed to keep track on the conditions inside and outside the leach field.

The most expensive items are the additional equipment, as well as the earthwork and other materials that are required to construct the mound.

In extreme cases, a mound system can cost more than $20,000 in some locations. Additionally, owing of the increased complexity, mound systems need more regular pumping as well as additional monitoring and maintenance. In certain cases, annual maintenance expenditures may exceed $500.

OTHER ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Sand filters that do not have a bottom are frequent on coastal properties and other ecologically sensitive places. There is a large variety of alternative septic systems available on the market, with new ones being introduced on a regular basis. Some are designed at community systems that serve a number of houses, and they are often monitored and maintained by a professional service provider. Some alternative systems are well-suited to particular houses, albeit the costs, complexity, and upkeep of these systems must be carefully evaluated before implementing them.

Before the wastewater reaches the leach field, which serves as a miniature replica of a sewage-treatment plant, some larger community systems employ pre-treatment to reduce the amount of bacteria present.

There are numerous other versions and combinations of systems and components that may be employed, including the following:

Pressurized dosing: This method makes use of a holding tank and a pump to drive effluent through the distribution pipe in a more uniform and regulated manner, hence boosting the effectiveness of the leach field. When used in conjunction with other techniques, such as a mound system, a sand filter, plastic leach fields or drip irrigation, it can be used to rehabilitate a leach field
However, it should not be used alone.

Septic system with alternative leach field made of plastic: This is a normal septic system with an alternative leach field that may be shrunk in some jurisdictions, making it ideally suited for tiny construction sites. Because the half-pipe plastic chambers provide a gap for effluent flow, there is no need for gravel in the system. Infiltrator System, for example, has been in service for more than two decades and, according to the manufacturer, can withstand traffic volumes with only 12 inches of compacted cover. The higher cost of the plastic components is somewhat countered by the lower cost of gravel and the smaller area of the drain field, respectively.

Sand filter: This is a big sand-filled box that is 2-4 feet deep and has a waterproof lining made of concrete or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Using filtration and anaerobic microorganisms, the sand is utilized to pre-treat wastewater before it is discharged into the leaching field. The boxes are often partially or completely buried in the ground, although they can also be elevated above ground level as necessary. While a pump and controls are typically used to equally administer the effluent on top of the filter, gravity distribution is also viable in some instances. The most common setup is shown in Figure 1. A collection tank at the bottom of the tank collects the treated effluent, which is either pumped or gravity-fed to the drain field. Some sand filters recycle the effluent back to the tank multiple times before discharging it into the drain field, while others do not. The majority of sand filters are used for pre-treatment, although they can also be utilized as the primary treatment in certain situations. A “bottomless sand filter” is used in this situation since the effluent drains straight into the soil underneath the filter (see photo above). A well designed and manufactured sand filter that is regularly maintained will prevent sand from being clogged on a consistent basis. More information about Sand Filters may be found here.

Aerobic treatment system: These systems treat wastewater by the use of an aerobic process, which is normally carried out in an underground concrete tank with many chambers. Aeration, purification, and pumping of the effluent are all accomplished through the use of four chambers in the most complicated systems. The first chamber functions similarly to a smaller version of a regular septic tank in its function. An air pump is employed in the second “treatment” tank to ensure that the effluent is continually injected with fresh air. The presence of oxygen promotes the growth of aerobic bacteria, which are more effective in processing sewage than the anaerobic bacteria found in a standard septic system. It is possible to utilize a third and fourth chamber in certain systems to further clarify the water and to pump out the purified water. In addition, so-called “fixed-film” systems make use of a synthetic media filter to help the bacterial process go more quickly. In the correct hands, aerobic systems may create better-quality wastewater than a typical system, and they may also incorporate a disinfectant before the purified wastewater is discharged. A smaller drain field may be used in urban areas while a larger area may be sprayed across a whole field in rural areas. Technically speaking, they are tiny sewage treatment plants rather than septic systems, and they rely mostly on anaerobic treatment to accomplish their goals. They are referred to as ATUs in some circles (aerobic treatment units). Installation and maintenance of these systems are prohibitively expensive
As a result, they are mostly employed in situations where high-quality treatment is required in a small area or with poor soils. A growing number of them are being built on beachfront sites. More information about Anaerobic Treatment Systems may be found here.

Using a pump, wastewater is sent via a filtering mechanism and onto an array of shallow drip tubes that are spaced out across a vast area for irrigation. In order to send reasonably clean water to the system, a pretreatment unit is often necessary. Alternatively, the water may be utilized to irrigate a lawn or non-edible plants, which would help to eliminate nitrogen from the wastewater. This sort of system may be employed in shallow soils, clay soils, and on steep slopes, among other conditions. Frozen tubes can pose problems in cold areas since they are so close to the surface of the water. Expect hefty installation fees, as well as additional monitoring and maintenance, just as you would with other alternative systems.

Wetlands that have been constructed. These are suitable for those who are environmentally conscious and wish to take an active role in the recycling of their wastewater. They may be used in practically any type of soil. An artificial shallow pond is used in the system, which is lined with rock, tire chippings, or other suitable medium and then filled with water. A pleasant atmosphere is created by the media, which serves as a habitat for particular plants that process wastewater and maintain the ecosystem. Wastewater from the septic tank is dispersed across the media bed through a perforated conduit, where plant roots, bacteria, and other microorganisms break down the contaminants in the water. The treated water is collected in a second pipe located at the back of the marsh. Household members must budget time for planting, pruning, and weeding in the wetlands area.

Additional resources: National Small Flows Clearinghouse Inspectapedia.com You may also be interested in:Who Should I Hire For Perc Test? Whether or not alternative septic systems are permitted. Is It Possible for Septic Systems to Last a Lifetime? How Much Slope Do You Need for a Septic Line? Performing an Inspection on a Septic System When Is the Best Time to Take a Perc Test? Should I use a Sand Filter with my existing septic system? Examination of the WellSEPTIC SYSTEMView allSEPTIC SYSTEMarticles Return to the top of the page