Unless you are lucky enough to live in one of the few areas of Schuyler County that has a sewer system, you rely on the use of a septic system to treat and dispose of your wastewater. Septic systems can be a perfect solution to waste management in rural communities, but only they are adequately maintained. To maintain proper function of your septic system it is recommended to have your septic tank pumped out every 3-5 years depending on the size of your tank and the number of people living in the home.
Here are a few humorous videos provided by The National Environmental Services Center that highlight why proper septic tank maintenance is important. National Environmental Service Center
For more information on septic system maintenance contact the Schuyler County Watershed Protection Agency at 535-6868 or visit http://waterquality.cce.cornell.edu/septic.htm.
Showing posts with label septic tank. Show all posts
Showing posts with label septic tank. Show all posts
Monday, April 11, 2011
Friday, August 20, 2010
Do septic additives really work?
A portion of the DEC Myth Buster website.
Do septic system additives work? (Spring 2008)
Q: Do septic system additives advertised as cleaners, activators, uncloggers, or restorers really work?
A: The short answer is NO.
At least 1.3 million households in New York State have septic systems. When they are working properly, septic systems keep harmful organisms out of our waters and protect our health.
We've all seen ads that claim adding commercial powders, liquids or granules to septic systems will increase their efficiency, extend their lives, eliminate the need for pumping, or restore failing systems. According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these types of products have not been proven effective. Some can actually interfere with the treatment process and contribute to septic system failure.
The life of a properly installed and maintained septic system and drainage field is about 20-30 years. A home septic system is a significant investment, and a failed one is expensive to replace. To get the most out of your investment and extend its life:
• Have the tank pumped and inspected regularly (every five years is recommended)
• Put only biodegradable wastes into the system
• Restrict garbage disposal use
• Conserve water in the home and repair any leaking faucets and toilets
• Don't plan trees or build over the drainage field
Do septic system additives work? (Spring 2008)
Q: Do septic system additives advertised as cleaners, activators, uncloggers, or restorers really work?
A: The short answer is NO.
At least 1.3 million households in New York State have septic systems. When they are working properly, septic systems keep harmful organisms out of our waters and protect our health.
We've all seen ads that claim adding commercial powders, liquids or granules to septic systems will increase their efficiency, extend their lives, eliminate the need for pumping, or restore failing systems. According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these types of products have not been proven effective. Some can actually interfere with the treatment process and contribute to septic system failure.
The life of a properly installed and maintained septic system and drainage field is about 20-30 years. A home septic system is a significant investment, and a failed one is expensive to replace. To get the most out of your investment and extend its life:
• Have the tank pumped and inspected regularly (every five years is recommended)
• Put only biodegradable wastes into the system
• Restrict garbage disposal use
• Conserve water in the home and repair any leaking faucets and toilets
• Don't plan trees or build over the drainage field
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
New Report Released By Hobart and William Smith Colleges
It is estimates that 1.5 million people become ill each year in the US from infections caused by fecal contamination according to the latest report, titled “Wastewater Treatment: Where do Toilet & Sink Wastes Go?” released earlier this month by John Halfman, Researcher and Professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The report gives an overview of the two most widely accepted technologies used to treat wastewater; septic tank waste water treatment and municipal wastewater treatment; both have their advantages and disadvantages.
According to Halfman, the best treatment option will find ways to reduce the amount and variety of wastes generated at the source. He encourages homeowners to consider several common sense approaches to meet this goal. A few of these include using less-toxic or non-toxic alternative when possible; test your soil before applying fertilizers, and to properly dispose of chemicals instead of pouring them on the ground or down a stormdrain. To read the full report click the following link:
http://people.hws.edu/halfman/Data/PublicInterestArticles/Municipal%20Wastewater%20Treatment%20Facilities.pdf
According to Halfman, the best treatment option will find ways to reduce the amount and variety of wastes generated at the source. He encourages homeowners to consider several common sense approaches to meet this goal. A few of these include using less-toxic or non-toxic alternative when possible; test your soil before applying fertilizers, and to properly dispose of chemicals instead of pouring them on the ground or down a stormdrain. To read the full report click the following link:
http://people.hws.edu/halfman/Data/PublicInterestArticles/Municipal%20Wastewater%20Treatment%20Facilities.pdf
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