WHAT IS A SEPTIC SYSTEM? All homes need a way to process their wastewater and sewage originating from our sinks, bathtubs, showers, washing machines and toilets. Many rural homeowners are not connected to a municipal sewer system, so septic systems are used as the main method of sewage and wastewater treatment.

A septic system is a self-contained, under-ground wastewater treatment system that is designed to hold, treat and dispose of household wastewater. When the liquid portion leaves the system, it can eventually reach groundwater or surface water, and be recycled back into your drinking water source. If wastewater is improperly treated, it can pollute local water sources that you and your community use for drinking water or recrea-tional activities. Proper care and maintenance of your septic system will help prevent con-tamination of local water sources, protecting the health of your family, community and the environment.  

Septic Tank As wastewater leaves your home’s plumbing system and enters your septic tank, the solids, oils and grease will separate into different layers. Over a short time, the solids will sink to the bottom and become sludge, while the oils and grease will float to the top of the tank and form the scum layer. Your septic tank is designed so that the scum and sludge do not clog up the drain field. The middle liquid layer in the septic tank (called effluent), will flow through a filter and into the distribution box before it reaches the drain field.

Drainfield and Soil The drainfield is a series of perforated pipes buried underground, sitting in trenches of drain rock. When the effluent enters the pipes, it seeps into the soil, where natural filtration occurs and microbes help to remove or alter the pollutants and pathogens that may be remain-ing. With suitable soil and adequate separation distances from water tables, this effluent will safely return to the groundwater. To enable sufficient effluent treatment, a depth of suitable soil is needed. Some systems require the use of raised mounds comprised of engineered sand in order to properly treat the final effluent.

Scum: Light soaps, fats, oils and grease.

Liquid: Partially treated wastewater (effluent).

Sludge: Heavier substances such as feces, toilet paper, grit, plastic and food waste.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A SEPTIC SYSTEM?

Some systems employ pressurization to provide better distribution in the drainfield. Other systems, commonly referred to as Type II or Type III systems, employ mechanical/electrical equipment to pro-vide additional treatment due to environmental needs on your property. This equipment can include aeration blowers, filtration media within your tank, additional filters or ultra violet disinfection vessels. All septic systems require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they function as intended.

Location of Septic Tank and Drainfield

Information about the exact location of the Septic Tank, Drainfield may be found in the “as-built” diagram of your Septic System. To locate a copy of your “as-built” diagram, please contact the Fraser Health Authority (the keeper of Health Records) at 604-870-7900. Make sure to keep a copy handy for your next septic system inspection. If your “as-builts” are unavailable, visit the following website for information about how you, or a hired professional can locate your septic system: www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/plan_protect_sustain/groundwater/septic_tank.pdf.

Image Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corpora on

Image Source: Sep chelp.org

www.fvrd.ca 1-800-528-0061

SEPTIC SENSE

Septic System Care and Maintenance in the FVRD

SEPTIC SENSE Do your part! Have Septic Sense.

Keeping your system healthy protects your family, your community and the

environment while saving you money.

Visit www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/sewer-septic/septic-sense.html

for more information.

NEED MORE INFORMATION? 

Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Database

http://owrp.asttbc.org/c/index.php

Fraser Health Authority http://www.fraserhealth.ca/

604-870-7900

WCOWMA Onsite Wastewater Management Association of BC

http://www.wcowma-bc.com/

TAKING CARE OF YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

DO Locate your septic tank and drainfield so that you can be prepared if there is a problem.

DO Hire a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner to inspect your septic system. An inspection every 3 years (at a minimum) for Type I and annually for Type II or Type III will be necessary to keep the system healthy. Be sure to schedule a pump out when the sludge depth exceeds 1/3 of the tank.

DO Reduce water consumption. Excess water use may flush solids into your drainfield before they settle in the tank, causing problems for effluent filtration.

DO Protect your drainfield by leaving it as undis-turbed as possible. Do not drive or park on it. Landscape with grass and avoid plants with deep roots that can damage your system.

DON’T Pour grease, fats, medications or harmful chemicals like paints and solvents down the drain. They can clog the system as well as wreak havoc on the microbes that help filter wastewater.

DON’T Flush non-degradable items such as dental floss, diapers, flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products or coffee grounds down the sink or toilet.

DON’T Alter your septic system without the correct filing from Fraser Health. The Sewerage System Regulation requires the involvement of a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practition-er when making modifications to your system.