New Tool For Keeping Your Septic System In Good Health
Maintaining your septic system is crucial for rural living. A properly functioning septic system treats the wastewater from your home and safely returns it to the groundwater supply and water cycle.
A leaking or failing septic system can introduce contaminants, such as bacteria and other pollutants, into the drinking water supply. These contaminants can pose a threat to the health of you and your family, the community and the environment.
The Impacts of Contaminants
Contaminants that occur naturally in human waste and those that can come from our cleaning products and laundry detergents can leak into drinking water sources when septic systems are not functioning properly. E. coli, nitrates and phosphorus are the most common contaminants:
- E. coli: A failing septic system can be a source of disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites, such as E. coli, when wastewater is not being fully treated, such as when the tank is leaking or the drainage field becomes clogged. Read more about how we can help you to protect drinking water.
- Nitrates: These contaminants can seep into groundwater from a poorly maintained septic system. High levels of nitrates in drinking water may result in adverse health effects and harm to aquatic life.
- Phosphorus: Wastewater contains high levels of phosphorus. Elevated levels of phosphorous in natural systems lead to algae growth, which can deplete the amount of oxygen available to fish and macroinvertebrates.
A properly functioning septic system uses beneficial bacteria to treat these contaminants. Anaerobic bacteria thrive without oxygen, while aerobic bacteria require oxygen. Both types are at work within a septic system to break down waste and remove contaminants from wastewater before water is released from the system to groundwater.
Online Septic System Assessment Tool
We’re simplifying the process of maintaining your septic system. Check up on your septic system with our free, easy-to-use online assessment tool. Answer a few simple questions to receive recommendations customized to your property.
Some recommendations may include:
- Learning to detect the signs of a failing septic system
- Adjusting the timing of pumping your tank
- Measures to improve the lifespan of your septic system
A healthy septic system leads to healthy drinking water. Check up on your septic system today.
Online Well Assessment Tool
We’re also simplifying the process of maintaining your well. Complete a risk check of your well with our new online assessment tool. Within minutes, you’ll receive recommendations to keep your drinking water safe. Use our new online assessment tool to check up on your well.