Where Does The Water Go?

Have you ever wondered where the dirty water goes after it leaves the dishwashing sink? How about all that stuff you put through the disposal, or the water from a load of laundry? Then there’s the shower or bath, and let’s not mention the toilet! If you live in an area that provides city sewer, your wastewater makes its way through a series of pipes to a large municipal wastewater treatment facility that treats the water and purifies it to a standard (controlled by the EPA), allowing the water to be returned to the environment free from impurities that would contaminate the ground water. But if you live in a more rural area without city sewer, then your wastewater probably goes to a septic tank or an aerobic system.  Understanding how these types of tanks operate can help you make an informed choice for you and your family.

What If I Have A Septic Tank?

A septic system generally consists of a tank of 1,000 to 1,500 gallons, connected at one end to your drains and to a septic drain field at the other. Wastewater enters the tank, allowing solids to settle and scum to float. The settled solids are anaerobically (without air) digested reducing their volume. Then, the liquid component flows to the top of the chamber. As waste enters the tank, it forces the excess liquid through the drain outlet into the drainage field in what is considered a “relatively clear” condition. The remaining impurities decompose in the soil, and the water is eliminated through percolation into the soil.  This means that your waste water is eventually taken up through the root system of plants or added to the ground water. Periodically, the tank’s remaining solids must be pumped out by a septic pump company to ensure that only liquid is draining into the field. If you have a septic tank, you may not be aware of the contaminants going into the ground. Your septic tank can be replaced by a more economical and environmentally-friendly Aerobic System.