Septic System Failures

Sewage
treatment plants use chlorine to kill these harmful organisms.
In a properly functioning septic system, soil and soil organisms
effectively remove these disease causing bacteria and viruses
from the wastewater. Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are
also found in domestic wastewater. Nitrogen, in the form of nitrates,
poses a health threat to infants if the wastewater becomes part
of the ground and surface water supplies. These nutrients also
fuel the growth of algae in lakes and shallow Puget Sound bays.
These “algae blooms” can cause serious water quality problems
including loss of oxygen resulting in fish kills.

   Avoiding Septic System Failures

Poor design,
construction, or maintenance will cause your septic system to
fail. Design is generally best left to a professional. County
health departments require a percolation (“perk”) test before
a septic system is built. The test determines how fast the soil
absorbs water. Waterfront and island septic systems demand special
consideration. In these instances and in other unusual sites,
soil examination by a professional soil scientist can provide
a more reliable assessment of the capacity of soil to accept wastewater.

New septic
system designs and entirely new technologies for dealing with
human waste and wastewater are now emerging. In the resource section
below, you’ll find several publications that can start your search
for alternatives. If you are thinking of a “non- standard” system,
begin a dialog and information exchange with your county health
department to assure your system meets their approval.

Select a
reputable firm to install your septic system. Tile or perforated
pipe laid on improper grades, incorrect joints and alignments
between system components, and tiles or pipes broken or crushed
during the building process can all cause system failure.