Most of us know that it is important for a healthy life to see our doctor for regular checkups. The same goes for your domestic wastewater treatment system (HSTS). Regular maintenance can help your HTST live a long, healthy life.
Your HSTS is like a mini sewage treatment plant right in your garden. Routinely pumping and inspecting your septic tank can help your septic tank last 20 to 30 years. How often to pump depends on the size of your tank and the number of people using it. In general, however, the Delaware General Health District minimum recommendation is every three years.
Your toilet is not a trash can. Neither are your sinks. Do not dispose / rinse these items: fats / oils / fats, handkerchiefs, cigarette butts, feminine products, condoms, wipes, diapers, paints, pesticides / herbicides, medicines or bacterial additives.
There are three great reasons to take care of your HSTS. First, by properly paying attention to your system, you will save money in the long run. Defective systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is a common cause of system failure.
In addition, a well-functioning HSTS will protect the health of your family and the local streams, lakes and rivers. Inadequately treated household wastewater that is released into the environment can pose significant health risks to wells, groundwater, drinking water sources and local bodies of water. Infectious diseases, gastrointestinal diseases and hepatitis can occur through contact with contaminated water.
After all, faulty systems can affect property values not only for you, but also for your community. The household wastewater is full of bacteria, viruses, nitrogen and phosphorus. If your system isn’t working well, your system may be producing untreated wastewater and polluting the local streams, rivers, and lakes that you and your community rely on for commercial or recreational activities.
All of the water that your household sends down the pipes goes to your wastewater treatment plant. Using water efficiently can improve the operation of your system. Check the Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District website to find out how much water you are using and discover great water conservation ideas. Watch a 40-second video entitled “Squishy Feet”.
For complete information on domestic wastewater treatment systems, contact the Delaware General Health District at www.delawarehealth.org/sewage or 740-368-1700.
Be the change for clean water. Extend the life of your domestic wastewater treatment system. Pump it out!
Bonnie Dailey is the associate director of the Delaware Soil & Water Conservation District. Further information can be found at https://soilandwater.co.delaware.oh.us/.
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