Here, you'll find a detailed and user-friendly guide to the terminologies commonly used by the Stinson Water. Whether you're a contractor, client, or member of the public interested in our operations, this glossary is designed to help you better understand our work, the services we provide, and the technical language associated with our field. Terms are listed in alphabetical order.
Discharge Permit
Non-expiring permit issued to property in the property owner's name, allowing the discharge of effluent.
Discharge Limit
Volumetric limit to the amount of effluent allowed to be discharged by the septic system permitted.
Distribution Laterals
Plastic pipes installed at the top of the sand and gravel bed in a sand filter. Wastewater is distributed through 1/8" to 3/16" orifices in these laterals to the mixed media bed.
Diversion Valve
Valve installed between the septic tank and leachfields, so that the property owner can switch fields to allow a resting cycle for one field while the other field is dosed.
Failure
A wastewater disposal system that is discharging in violation of the District's Wastewater Code or a wastewater disposal system whose components do not meet the specifications of the Code.
Gravel Filter
A specially designed bed of gravel that can pre-treat commercial wastewater before disposal in a leachfield.
Gravity System
A leachfield that relies on gravity flow of effluent.
Inlet Tee
A sanitary tee or baffle installed at the inlet to the septic tank to facilitate quiescent inlet conditions.
Leachfield
Area (typically a trench) filled with gravel for the disposal of septic tank effluent. The wastewater is typically delivered by perforated pipe to the disposal area.
Notice of Completed Inspection/Repair Order
This is to inform the owner that the inspection has indeed been completed, that certain repairs are required, and indicates when the next inspection will take place.
Outlet Tee
A sanitary tee or baffle for retaining scum in a septic tank.
OWTS
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System.
Repair Order
Notice alerting property owner of system maintenance required. Discharge Permit is conditioned on compliance with a repair order.
Retention Time
Length of time sewage effluent is retained in the septic tank.
Sand Filter
A specially designed bed of sand and gravel that pre-treats septic tank effluent before disposal in a leachfield.
Septic Tank
Water-tight container for the retention of sewage before disposal. The tank is typically sized to contain three days of sewage effluent.
Tightline
A non-perforated pipe between a septic tank and leachfield.