It’s a new year…well, almost…so why not talk about NEW septic things? (Technically it’s not really new…but it is new to Nebraska!)
Did you know technology exists to clean up your wastewater better than ever? For years, the main treatment of septic wastewater has been in the tank. The water drains to the tank first and because it is typically air tight, the bacteria in the tank conduct anaerobic respiration to break down all the nasty stuff that is in the water. After the tank treatment, the water slowly drains out to your lateral field where the soil performs a final treatment. In the drainfield, water is either absorbed into the ground or evaporated through the plants (transvaporation).
So why would an alternative to this treatment that has worked for years be necessary you ask? Well, there are several reasons!
- As wastewater system installers, we are concerned about the environment. We want to install systems that do not fail or potentially hurt humans or wildlife. Anytime there is an opportunity to do more we’d be amiss to ignore it. There is technology that can be used on conventional septic systems to clean up to 75% of the contaminates out of the water before it leaves your septic tank. This not only allows for cleaner water to be absorbed into the soil (and eventually ground water) but also increases the life of your septic system lateral field. The less “ick” (for lack of a better word) that drains into your laterals, the longer they will last! **It should also be noted that while this type of technology is “new” to Nebraska, it is not “new” technology. This technological concept has evolved over the years but was originally used in US Naval ships in the 1960s. It has been made increasingly better since then.** The new septic technologies I am referring to today, has been built by the company Bio Microbics since the early 90s and they are currently based out of the Kansas City area.
- What if your ground doesn’t perc? About the only option in Nebraska is to install a lagoon. Most of the population HATES lagoons. They are ugly, smelly, and disgusting. It’s basically a poop pond and who wants that? In some cases where the ground doesn’t perc and ponds are either existing or man-made, we can install a treatment unit to clean up the water so much that someone driving by wouldn’t know it was a wastewater system. They would think “What a nice little pond that acreage has!” Heck, install a fountain and add some fish too while you’re at it. The water for a wastewater system like this can be treated so well it is clean enough for fish! Take a look at some pictures of “polishing ponds” we have installed in the last few years.
Now in any of these pictures do you think, “EW! What a gross wastewater system?” I doubt it. I’m guessing that if I hadn’t told you these ponds were in fact “treated wastewater” you would have never suspected it.
But you may ask me, “Okay septic girl, if all this is so great and possible, why isn’t EVERYONE using these systems?” And here’s my answer…remember when cell phones first came out? Only the really rich had them? Now look at our world. Who doesn’t have a cell phone? I bet you’re even holding one right now and possibly using it (and your Google app) to fact check this article! So, to specifically answer your question, COST is the number one reason they aren’t everywhere.
Also, changing the mindset of people. Cleaning up the water seems logical, right? Recycling makes sense too, but does everyone do it? Not yet. However, there are more people recycling today than there were 20 years ago! And, this mindset isn’t just a change at the homeowner level, but at the government regulation level as well. Big things often are. But for now, I still think it’s important to get people thinking and talking about it. Information is power, right?