Follow the Drop – Septic System
Septic System
You have chosen to take your next step by heading to a septic system. While definitely a bit disgusting, these biological water treatment systems are crucial and are used by most rural households.
For households with a septic system, wastewater from all domestic uses (toilets, showers, sinks, washing machines, etc.) goes to the septic system. The septic system sometimes includes an underground settling tank for solids to settle out of the wastewater, and can also include a septic field which is a series of perforated pipes buried underground.
As part of the septic system, underground soil, pipes and tanks hosts communities of microorganisms, including bacteria, who digest the waste and nutrients in the wastewater, making it safe to re-enter the ecosystem. Water quality during this process can be impacted if certain cleaning products and detergents are used, as these kill the microorganisms.
Definition
Perforated: Pierced with one or more holes.
Transpiration: When water escapes through plant leaves as a gas.
Where next?
After you have been used by the household and have taken your journey through the septic system you can choose to be absorbed into the roots of a plant and then eventually released through transpiration, or you can seep into the groundwater. Either way, you are ready for your next move!
References and Further Reading
- Safety Codes Council, & Government of Alberta. (2015). Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice 2015. Retrieved from http://www.safetycodes.ab.ca/Public/Documents/2015_Private-Sewage_Standard-of-Practice_webversion.pdf{/slider}