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Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

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What is a Septic System?

Photo credit: MOEE

Waste to Water

Evapotranspiration Septic tank

Leaching bed Soil absorption

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Well

Filtration and Treatment Ground water Streams, lakes

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The Septic Tank 

Inlet pipe



Baffles



Water & anaerobic bacteria

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Chambers

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Partition wall with holes

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Effluent filter

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Outlet pipe

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Inlet Baffles

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Flow Through the Tank

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Partition wall

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Flow Through the Tank (cont’d)

Effluent Filters OSI Biotube Filter

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Zabel Effluent Filter

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The Distribution System



Pump



Distribution box



Distribution pipes

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Distribution Box

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The Leaching Bed

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The Importance of Soil

Septic System Capacity Determined by:   

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

House size Bedrooms Sinks, tubs, toilets Dishwashers, washing machines, water-using appliances

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Location of a Septic System

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Causes of Failing Systems ď ľ

Improper siting or installation

ď ľ

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

Causes of Failing Systems

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Poor maintenance: 

Compacted soils and cracked pipes



Poisoning of bacteria by chemicals



Saturated leaching bed

How Do You Know If You Have a Problem? 

Lush patches of grass

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Soft & spongy ground

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Pools of dark water

Toilets & drains gurgling or backing up Module 4:19





Odours

The Dangers

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Bacterial contamination of drinking water

1. Bacterial contamination of drinking water

The Dangers

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2. Nutrient loading

3. Costly repairs and replacement

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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)

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 Module 4:24



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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4. Control Your Inputs 

Conserve water



Reduce chemical use



Reduce solid waste

Unfriendly Items      

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

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

Additives 1.

2.

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3.

Starters Feeders Cleaners Look for an Environmental Choice Program seal of approval or better yet‌ Save your money!

Take Action 

Know your system

 Where it is and how it works  Be alert to changes



Prevent problems before they start

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 Regular pump-outs and inspections  Protect your leaching bed  Control what goes into your system



Research, learn & share information

Sources of Information www.orwc.uoguelph.ca

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www.oowa.org

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Alternative On-Site Technologies ď ľ

In use in Ontario since the 1970s

ď ľ

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

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Shallow bedrock & high groundwater table

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Clay soils

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Sloped sites

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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 InstallationAbove Ground

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Ecoflo Biofilter Treatment System

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Ecoflo Distribution System

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Various Ecoflo Installations

Improving Performance

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Aerobic Treatment Units

The Wastewater Garden 

Treats all household wastewater (black + grey)



Treats wastewater using water-loving plants

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Water removed by evapotranspiration)

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Zero discharge = no release of nutrients or

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pathogens

Composting Toilet

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Photo courtesy of: BioLet Composting Toilets