Safety and Health Policy
The septic system is designed to treat wastewater
for a specific site to a specific level. Proper treatment of wastewater reduces health risks to
humans and animals and prevents surface and groundwater contamination.
Risks to Human and Animal Health
It is unhealthy for humans, pets, and wildlife to drink or come in contact
with surface or ground water contaminated with wastewater.
Inadequate treatment of wastewater allows bacteria,
viruses, and other disease-causing pathogens to enter groundwater and surface
water. Hepatitis, dysentery, and other diseases may result from bacteria and
viruses in drinking water. Disease-causing organisms may make lakes or streams
unsafe for recreation. Flies and mosquitoes that are attracted to and breed
in wet areas where wastewater reaches the surface may also spread disease.
Inadequate treatment of wastewater can raise
the nitrate levels in groundwater. High concentrations of nitrate in drinking
water are a special risk to infants. Nitrate affects the ability of an infant's
blood to carry oxygen, a condition called methemoglobinemia (blue-baby syndrome).
Risk of Contaminating Water
A septic system that fails to treat sewage can also allow excess nutrients
to reach nearby lakes and streams promoting algae and weed growth. Algal blooms
and abundant weeds may make the lake unpleasant for swimming and boating,
and can affect water quality for fish and wildlife habitat. As plants die,
settle to the bottom, and decompose, they use oxygen that fish need to survive.
Many synthetic cleaning products and other
chemicals used in the house can be toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife. If
allowed to enter a failing septic system, these products may reach groundwater,
nearby surface water, or the ground surface.
In the soil treatment portion of the septic
system (drainfield or mound), bacteria and viruses in the sewage are destroyed
by the soil and naturally-occurring microscopic organisms. Nutrients are absorbed
by soil particles or taken up by plants. However, these processes only work
in soil that has air in it. The soil cannot be saturated with water. Near
lakes, streams, and wetlands soil conditions may be saturated. When the soil
is saturated, biological breakdown will be incomplete and nutrients will move
much greater distances, sometimes hundreds of feet from the drainfield or
mound, and possibly into surface water. Even systems that appear to be
working well or that are in compliance with local design and installation
codes may allow nutrients or bacteria to reach the ground or surface water.
Safety
Checklist
Never enter the septic tank. The tank has a manhole for cleaning and inspection
from the outside only. The tank contains very little oxygen and has high levels
of hydrogen sulphide, methane, carbon dioxide, and other life-threatening
gases.
- Never
use electrical lights, appliances, or tools in or close
to the water or wet ground near the septic tank or effluent field. This
can result in explosion or electrical shock.
- Always
remember that the liquid and solid contents of the septic
system are capable of causing infectious diseases. After working
on any part of the septic system, always wash hands thoroughly before eating,
drinking, or smoking. Change clothes before coming into contact with food
or other people.
- Keep
vehicles and other heavy equipment away, from the septic
system. The tank and other components may collapse due to weakness from
corrosion.
- Never
smoke near septic tank openings. Gases such as methane
that may be present are potentially combustible.
- Keep
children and other spectators away from the septic system
when it is being cleaned or excavated.
- If
there is a smell of sewer gases in your home, immediately call
a plumber or other qualified person to identify the source and correct it.
If the gas smell is very strong, evacuate the building until the
problem is corrected and the gases are removed.
