Improving household wastewater treatment

Abstract

Many rural and suburban homes and virtually all farmsteads use a septic system or similar onsite wastewater treatment system. While these systems are generally economical and safe, household wastewater can contain contaminates that degrade water quality for such uses as drinking, stock watering, food preparation and cleaning. A properly designed, installed and maintained system minimizes the impact of that system on ground water and surface water. This assessment allows you to evaluate the environmental soundness of your household wastewater treatment.