Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Module 4:1
Jan 14, 2016
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
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What is a Septic System?M
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Photo credit: MOEE
Septic tank
Soil absorption
Ground water
Filtration and Treatment
Leaching bed
Evapotranspiration
Streams, lakes
Well
Waste to WaterM
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The Septic Tank
Inlet pipe
Baffles
Water & anaerobic bacteria
Chambers
Partition wall with holes
Effluent filter
Outlet pipe
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Inlet BafflesM
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Flow Through the TankM
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Partition wallM
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Flow Through the Tank (cont’d)M
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Effluent Filters
Zabel Effluent Filter
OSI Biotube Filter
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The Distribution System
Pump
Distribution box
Distribution pipes
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Distribution BoxM
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The Leaching BedM
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The Importance of SoilM
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Septic System Capacity
Determined by:
House size Bedrooms Sinks, tubs, toilets Dishwashers, washing
machines, water-using appliances
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Location of a Septic SystemM
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Causes of Failing Systems
Improper siting or installation
Undersized tank or leaching bed area
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Causes of Failing Systems
High groundwater table
Broken piping and compacted soils
Distribution box or header is off level
Faulty pumps
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Causes of Failing Systems
Poor maintenance:
Compacted soils and cracked pipes
Poisoning of bacteria by chemicals
Saturated leaching bed
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How Do You KnowIf You Have a Problem?
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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
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The Dangers
3. Costly repairs and replacement
2. Nutrient loading
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Proper Maintenance
1. Regular pump-outs
2. Regular inspections
3. Protect the leaching bed
4. Control your inputs
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1. Regular Pump-outs
Every 2-5 years (Depending on system size and load)
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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
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3. Protect the Leaching Bed
Avoid compacting soils
Avoid damaging pipes
Avoid saturating leaching bed
Avoid planting trees near bed
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Conserve water
Reduce chemical use
Reduce solid waste
4. Control Your InputsM
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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
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Additives
1. Starters
2. Feeders
3. Cleaners
Look for an Environmental Choice
Program seal of approval or better yet…
Save your money!
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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
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www.orwc.uoguelph.ca
www.oowa.org
Sources of InformationM
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Alternative On-Site Technologies
In use in Ontario since the 1970s
Include secondary and tertiary treatment units as well as other technology
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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
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Norweco Unit Discharging to a Shallow Buried Trench Bed
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Shallow Buried Trench Disposal Field
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Clearstream Unit Discharging to an Area Bed
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Waterloo Biofilter Installation: In-ground
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Waterloo Biofilter Installation- Above Ground
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Ecoflo Biofilter Treatment System
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Ecoflo Distribution SystemM
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Various Ecoflo InstallationsM
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Improving PerformanceAerobic Treatment Units
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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
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Composting ToiletM
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Photo courtesy of: BioLet Composting Toilets