Water Usage
The efficiency of a septic tank is directly related to the length of time the water is in the septic tank, which in turn depends on the household generation of sewage. The more water used, the faster it passes through the system. Conversely, the less water used, the slower it goes through the septic tank and the longer the solids have to settle out so that they are not passed on to the leachfield.
In recognition of the required septic tank retention time and the size of your leachfield(s), the District has assigned a Discharge Limit for each system.
Remember that all water that goes into the septic tank must eventually be absorbed by the soil. The less water entering the system, the less there will be for the soil to absorb.
Not only is the total amount entering the septic tank critical to proper operation, but the rate at which this water enters is extremely important. For example, doing one load of laundry per day for five consecutive days is easier on the system than doing five loads on one day. A best practice is to spread water usage throughout the day and the week rather than to have dramatic daily peaks.
To reduce your water usage:
- use water-saving devices
- repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures
- replace toilets with models that use 1.6 gallons per flush or less
- take shorter showers, and avoid baths
- when you do take a bath, use only a partially filled bathtub
- run clothes washer and dishwasher when they contain a full load
- don't let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing dishes, etc.
- don't drain pools, spas, or hot tubs into your OWTS
Disposal Practices
Just as important as how much water goes into your system is what goes into your system. Remember that all phases of onsite wastewater treatment rely on a mix of biological organisms to clean and purify the wastewater -- a community of naturally-occuring bacteria is working for you, so do not dispose of products that will kill them off.
Generally, only three things should go into the septic tank: human waste, toilet paper, and waste from toilets, bathing fixtures, and kitchen sinks. A good rule is: don't use your OWTS for anything that can be disposed of some other way. The less material you put into your septic tank, the less often it will need pumping.
- Avoid using a garbage disposal unit. Compost scraps or throw them out with the trash.
- Dispose of oil and grease in a sealed container in the garbage rather than pouring it down the drain.
- Minimize the disposal of paper products. Non-degradable items such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins or tampons, Kleenex, cigarettes, and paper towels are especially harmful. Use toilet paper that will dissolve quickly upon disposal. Minimize the amount of beach sand entering the system by removing excess sand before showering, and by shaking excess sand from clothing before laundering.
Household Chemicals
When used in normal quantities and as recommended by the manufacturer, household cleaning products should not harm your system. Excessive amounts of strong bleaches, detergents, and drain cleaners will eventually kill off the essential bacteria in your tank. Moderation should be the rule.
Do not use toilet bowl cleaning tablets. These are generally chlorine-based and can significantly increase the chlorine concentration in the wastewater discharged to the septic tank, which in turn, could adversely affect the biological communities present in the septic tank.
Do not dispose of water softener backwash into your OWTS. The backwash brine contains a high level of chlorides that can destroy the bacterial population and inhibit biological digestion, which is essential to a properly functioning tank. The brine can also interfere with sedimentation and increase the hydraulic flow through the tank.
Toxic Chemicals
Disposing of toxic chemicals in your OWTS is unlawful and detrimental to your system (remember those hard-working bugs), the environment, and District personnel and/or OWTS service personnel.
Toxic chemicals that should not be disposed of in your OWTS include but are not limited to the following:
- pesticides
- herbicides
- solvents
- gasoline or other fuel products
- motor oil
- antifreeze
- brake fluid
- radiator cleaners
- caustic chemicals
- degreasers
- paints
- paint thinners or strippers
- wood preservatives
- photographic chemicals
- electroplating solutions
- fiberglass resins
Please contact the District for advice before disposing of chemicals from a hobby or home business.
Additives
While many products on the market claim to help your OWTS work better, the truth is there is no magic potion to cure an ailing system. Some proprietary products that claim to "clean" septic tanks contain chemicals that may cause your system to fail.
There are two types of OWTS additives: biological (bacteria, enzymes, and yeast) and chemical. At best, an additive is benign; it provides no benefit, and it costs you some money. At worst, it can damage concrete or wood tanks and clog the soil; products containing solvents can contaminate the groundwater. The general consensus among OWTS experts is that system additives are unnecessary, possibly harmful, and should not be used. The naturally occurring bacterial population in your tank does not need to be augmented for the proper operation of your system. The best results come from a balanced and well-maintained system that is not overloaded or abused.
Physical Care
Unless specifically designed for vehicle loading, no portion of your onsite wastewater disposal system should be driven on. If your tank is in an area subject to traffic, install a barricade to prevent damage to the tank and/or risers.
Traffic is generally prohibited from leachfields to prevent compaction of the soil and to minimize the breaking and collapsing of leachfield pipes.
Similarly, leachfields should not be paved or cemented over. Decking is generally acceptable. However, access must be provided for District inspections and maintenance work. The supporting structure of the deck must be reviewed by District staff to ensure that the construction is consistent with District code and will not interfere with the wastewater disposal system.
Tenants
If you rent your property, please inform your tenants that your property is served by an OWTS and that there are restrictions regarding the amount and quality of wastewater discharged. Please post the "Do's & Don'ts" list in the kitchen and/or bathrooms. Please include the phone number of the contractor who maintains your system so that an alarm or pump failure can be addressed. Also, please include the Daily Average and Daily Maximum Discharge Limit so your tenants can modify their use accordingly. The District can install flow restrictors to assist you in ensuring that your tenants do not abuse your system.