Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

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Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
Module 41
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What is a Septic System?
Module 42
Photo credit MOEE
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Waste to Water
Module 43
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The Septic Tank

• Inlet pipe
• Baffles
• Water anaerobic bacteria
• Chambers
• Partition wall with holes
• Effluent filter
• Outlet pipe

Module 44
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Inlet Baffles
Module 45
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Flow Through the Tank
Module 46
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Partition wall
Module 47
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Flow Through the Tank (contd)
Module 48
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Effluent Filters
OSI Biotube Filter
Zabel Effluent Filter
Module 49
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The Distribution System

• Pump
• Distribution box
• Distribution pipes

Module 410
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Distribution Box
Module 411
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The Leaching Bed
Module 412
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The Importance of Soil
Module 413
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Septic System Capacity

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

Module 414
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Location of a Septic System
Module 415
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Causes of Failing Systems

• Improper siting or installation
• Undersized tank or leaching bed area

Module 416
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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

Module 417
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Causes of Failing Systems

• Poor maintenance
• Compacted soils and cracked pipes
• Poisoning of bacteria by chemicals
• Saturated leaching bed

Module 418
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How Do You KnowIf You Have a Problem?

• Lush patches of grass
• Soft spongy ground
• Pools of dark water

• Toilets drains gurgling or backing up
• Odours

Module 419
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The Dangers

• 1. Bacterial contamination of drinking water

Bacterial contamination of drinking water
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The Dangers
2. Nutrient loading
3. Costly repairs and replacement
Module 421
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Proper Maintenance

• Regular pump-outs
• Regular inspections
• Protect the leaching bed
• Control your inputs

Module 422
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1. Regular Pump-outs

• Every 2-5 years
• (Depending on system size and load)

Module 423
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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

Module 424

• 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

Module 426
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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

Module 427
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Additives

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

Module 428
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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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Sources of Information
www.orwc.uoguelph.ca
www.oowa.org
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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

Module 432
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Norweco Unit Discharging to a Shallow Buried
Trench Bed
Module 433
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Shallow Buried Trench Disposal Field
Module 434
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Clearstream Unit Discharging to an Area Bed
Module 435
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Waterloo Biofilter Installation In-ground
Module 436
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Waterloo Biofilter Installation- Above Ground
Module 437
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Ecoflo Biofilter Treatment System
Module 438
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Ecoflo Distribution System
Module 439
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Various Ecoflo Installations
Module 440
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Improving PerformanceAerobic Treatment Units
Module 441
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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

Module 442
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Composting Toilet
Photo courtesy of BioLet Composting Toilets
Module 443