Septic System
Does my septic system affect the Rouge River? Does your
household use a septic system for wastewater treatment? If so, it has the
potential to negatively affect water quality in the Rouge River Watershed if not
maintained properly. The Rouge River Watershed is all the land area and
waterways that drain into the Rouge River. So if you’re septic system isn’t
correctly located, adequately designed, carefully installed and properly
managed, it may be contributing to pollution in the Rouge River, which affects
everybody!
Septic systems are wastewater treatment systems that use septic
tanks and drain fields to dispose of sewage in the soil. The tank receives
untreated household waste, bacteria break down the solid material and the drain
field distributes the remaining liquid from the septic tank to the surrounding
soil. The soil then acts as the final filter for wastewater treatment. A septic
system failure can cause serious problems including sewage backup, human and
animal illness, contaminated water supplies, and costly repair bills!
Signs of a Malfunctioning System
· Toilet running sluggish,
· Sewer odors in the house,
· Sponginess around the septic tank or field area and
surfacing
raw sewage
There are many ways individuals and households can help keep their septic
systems operating properly and also be environmentally sensitive. Here are some
suggestions:
Commercial septic tank additives usually don’t help and may hurt your
system in the long run.
The drain field should only be covered with grass, don t plant trees or
shrubs their roots are too long. Keep the grass cut to around 2-3 inches. The
cut grass helps remove nutrients from the field and increases evaporation.
Keep kitchen garbage disposal use at a minimum, and don’t put hazardous
chemicals down the drain.
NEVER use your toilet like a trash can! Coffee grinds, kitty litter, paper
towels, tampons, dental floss, cigarette butts, pesticides, paints, oils, etc,
can overtax or destroy the beneficial bacteria in your system, and pollute the
water.
Toxic gases are produced in the tank and are very dangerous, so don’t ever
go down into the tank. Even lifting the lid to look in can be dangerous.
Learn the location and keep a maintenance record of your septic tank &
drain field.
If you are having problems, such as sewage backup, slow drains, unpleasant
odors, or visible liquid on the ground by the system, immediately contact your
county health department. Wayne County Health Department can be reached at
(313) 727-7400.
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