Get to Know Your Septic System

Septic systems dispose of household sewage, or wastewater, generated from several sources, including sinks, toilet use, bathing, washing machines, and other cleaning activities.

Wastewater carries all those things that “go down the drain,” such as human waste, dirt, food, paper, soap, detergents, and cleaning products. It contains dissolved nutrients, household chemicals, grease, oil, microorganisms (including some that cause disease), and solid particles.

The septic system’s purpose is to remove these contaminants and then discharge treated wastewater to the soil without harming either human health or the environment. A septic system consists of an underground, watertight tank, or “septic tank,” and a drain field.

For more information, please download Getting to Know Your Septic System.