document

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

Mod

ule

4:1

What is a Septic System?M

odul

e 4:

2

Photo credit: MOEE

Septic tank

Soil absorption

Ground water

Filtration and Treatment

Leaching bed

Evapotranspiration

Streams, lakes

Well

Waste to WaterM

odul

e 4:

3

The Septic Tank

Inlet pipe Baffles Water & anaerobic bacteria Chambers Partition wall with holes Effluent filter Outlet pipe

Mod

ule

4:4

Inlet BafflesM

odul

e 4:

5

Flow Through the TankM

odul

e 4:

6

Partition wallM

odul

e 4:

7

Flow Through the Tank (cont’d)M

odul

e 4:

8

Effluent Filters

Zabel Effluent Filter

OSI Biotube Filter

Mod

ule

4:9

The Distribution System

Pump

Distribution box

Distribution pipes

Mod

ule

4:10

Distribution BoxM

odul

e 4:

11

The Leaching BedM

odul

e 4:

12

The Importance of SoilM

odul

e 4:

13

Septic System Capacity

Determined by:

House size Bedrooms Sinks, tubs, toilets Dishwashers, washing

machines, water-using appliances

Mod

ule

4:14

Location of a Septic SystemM

odul

e 4:

15

Causes of Failing Systems

Improper siting or installation

Undersized tank or leaching bed area

Mod

ule

4:16

Causes of Failing Systems

High groundwater table

Broken piping and compacted soils

Distribution box or header is off level

Faulty pumps

Mod

ule

4:17

Causes of Failing Systems

Poor maintenance:

Compacted soils and cracked pipes

Poisoning of bacteria by chemicals

Saturated leaching bed

Mod

ule

4:18

How Do You KnowIf You Have a Problem?

Mod

ule

4:19

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

Mod

ule

4:20

The Dangers

3. Costly repairs and replacement

2. Nutrient loading

Mod

ule

4:21

Proper Maintenance

1. Regular pump-outs

2. Regular inspections

3. Protect the leaching bed

4. Control your inputs

Mod

ule

4:22

1. Regular Pump-outs

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

Mod

ule

4:23

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

Mod

ule

4:24

3. Protect the Leaching Bed

Avoid compacting soils

Avoid damaging pipes

Avoid saturating leaching bed

Avoid planting trees near bed

Mod

ule

4:25

Conserve water

Reduce chemical use

Reduce solid waste

4. Control Your InputsM

odul

e 4:

26

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

Mod

ule

4:27

Additives

1. Starters2. Feeders3. Cleaners

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

Save your money!

Mod

ule

4:28

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

Mod

ule

4:29

www.orwc.uoguelph.ca

www.oowa.org

Sources of InformationM

odul

e 4:

30

Alternative On-Site Technologies

In use in Ontario since the 1970s

Include secondary and tertiary treatment units as well as other technology

Mod

ule

4:31

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

Mod

ule

4:32

Norweco Unit Discharging to a Shallow Buried Trench Bed

Mod

ule

4:33

Shallow Buried Trench Disposal Field

Mod

ule

4:34

Clearstream Unit Discharging to an Area Bed

Mod

ule

4:35

Waterloo Biofilter Installation: In-ground

Mod

ule

4:36

Waterloo Biofilter Installation- Above Ground

Mod

ule

4:37

Ecoflo Biofilter Treatment System

Mod

ule

4:38

Ecoflo Distribution SystemM

odul

e 4:

39

Various Ecoflo InstallationsM

odul

e 4:

40

Improving PerformanceAerobic Treatment Units

Mod

ule

4:41

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

Mod

ule

4:42

Composting ToiletM

odul

e 4:

43

Photo courtesy of: BioLet Composting Toilets