Many properties within our County are not located in areas where public sewers are available. These properties are connected to on-site subsurface sewage disposal systems, also called septic systems. The purpose of a septic system is to dispose of the wastewater generated in a house (or building) without contaminating the ground water or surface water.

The septic system consists of four parts:

• Sewer line: connects the homes plumbing to the septic tank.

• Septic Tank: allows for the retention and partial digestion of the solids by bacterial action (primary treatment). A properly functioning septic tank retains solids and will reduce pollutant levels by producing an effluent of fairly uniform quality. Septic tanks installed since 1991 consists of two compartments. Since 2000, septic tanks are required to have an effluent filter, which help protect the leach fields.

• Distribution system: directs the flow from the septic tank to the leaching fields.

• Leaching fields: A drainage system that applies sewage effluent into the surrounding soils. There are many different types: trenches, galleries, drywells, or plastic units.

Whatever kind of septic system you have, it is very important to:

• Have your septic tank serviced (pumped out) every three to five years

• Do not allow vehicles and heavy equipment to be driven over the septic system (unless the system was designed for this)

• If your septic tank came with an outlet (effluent) filter, have this cleaned out routinely (Depends on the quality of waste that you send to your septic tank)