Septic Information and Tips
What is an onlot? A wasterwater treatment system?
On-lot wastewater treatment systems have two primary parts. A treatment tank, and an absorption area. The treatment tank separates and holds the solids, and releases liquid wastewater for soil infiltration in the absorption area. There, the soil's ability to filter and treat the remaining effluent as it seeps into the soil completes the renewal process. By removing the solids, the treatment tank protects the absorption area from becoming clogged. In 1990, in Pennsylvania, approximately 1.2 million homes were served by on-lot wasterwater treatment systems rather than public sewage systems.
Sources of Household Sewage
- 40%: Toilet
- 30%: Bathing
- 15%: Laundry
- 10%: Kitchen
- 5%: Miscellaneous
Household sewage is a combination of wasterwater from toilets, showers, sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, water softeners, and garbage disposals. Toilets are the largest source of wastewater in households. Since the mid-1990's, toilets using less water per flush have been required. This in turn has increased the percentage of solids in the sewage delivered to the treatment tank. This increase, however, has not been shown to necessitate more frequent pump-outs. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Proctection recommends pumping tanks every three years or when 1/3 of the liquid capacity is filled with sludge.
