Beyond the Drainfield: Understanding Supplemental Treatment of Septic System Effluent

Septic systems are a reliable way to manage wastewater for homes not connected to municipal sewer lines. They rely on natural processes to treat wastewater, but sometimes, the standard system needs a little extra help. This is where supplemental treatment comes in. But what exactly is supplemental treatment of septic system effluent, and why is it sometimes necessary?

The Basics of a Standard Septic System

Before diving into supplemental treatment, let's recap how a typical septic system works:

Wastewater enters the septic tank: Solids settle to the bottom as sludge, while lighter materials like grease and oil float to the top as scum.
Partially treated effluent flows to the drainfield: This is a network of underground trenches or beds where the effluent is further treated by soil microbes as it filters through the soil.

This system works well in many situations, but certain conditions can hinder its effectiveness.

When Supplemental Treatment is Needed

Supplemental treatment refers to any additional process used to further treat septic tank effluent before it enters the drainfield or other dispersal area. It's often required when site conditions are less than ideal for conventional systems. Here are some common scenarios:

Poor Soil Conditions: Clay soils or soils with a high water table don't allow effluent to filter and treat properly. Supplemental treatment can significantly improve the effluent quality before it reaches the soil, reducing the risk of contamination.
Small Lot Sizes: Limited space may restrict the size of the drainfield, making it necessary to pretreat the effluent to reduce the required drainfield area.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Properties near lakes, streams, or other sensitive water bodies require a higher level of treatment to protect water quality. Supplemental treatment helps remove more pollutants before the effluent is discharged.
Nitrogen Reduction: In some areas, regulations require significant nitrogen reduction in wastewater to prevent nutrient pollution in water bodies. Certain supplemental treatment technologies are specifically designed to remove nitrogen.

Types of Supplemental Treatment Technologies

Several technologies are used for supplemental treatment, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs): These systems introduce oxygen into the wastewater, promoting the growth of aerobic bacteria that break down pollutants more efficiently than the anaerobic bacteria in a standard septic tank. ATUs produce a higher quality effluent and can be used in situations with poor soil or limited space.
Media Filters: These systems use various media, such as sand, peat, or textile materials, to filter the effluent and remove additional pollutants. They can be installed above ground or below ground and are effective at removing solids, organic matter, and some nutrients.
Constructed Wetlands: These are artificial wetlands designed to treat wastewater. Plants and microorganisms in the wetland further purify the effluent before it is discharged. They are a natural and aesthetically pleasing option, but they require more land area.
Disinfection Systems: These systems use ultraviolet (UV) light, chlorine, or ozone to kill bacteria and viruses in the effluent. They are often used when the effluent is discharged to surface water or in areas with strict public health regulations.

Benefits of Supplemental Treatment

Improved Effluent Quality: Supplemental treatment significantly reduces pollutants in the effluent, minimizing environmental impact and protecting water quality.
Smaller Drainfield Size: By pre-treating the effluent, the required drainfield area can be reduced, making it suitable for properties with limited space.
Increased System Longevity: By reducing the load on the drainfield, supplemental treatment can extend the life of the entire septic system.
Compliance with Regulations: In many areas, supplemental treatment is required to meet local environmental regulations.

Choosing the Right System

The best type of supplemental treatment depends on several factors, including site conditions, local regulations, budget, and desired level of treatment. Consulting with a qualified septic system professional is essential to determine the most appropriate system for your specific needs.

Supplemental treatment is an important tool for ensuring effective and environmentally responsible wastewater management in situations where standard septic systems are not sufficient. By understanding the different technologies available, homeowners can make informed decisions about their wastewater treatment needs.

Beyond the Tank: The Vital Role of a Septic System Designer

12/18/24

When you think about plumbing, the focus is often on what happens inside your house. But what about when the water goes out? For homes not connected to municipal sewer systems, a septic system is the unsung hero of wastewater management. And behind every effective septic system is a skilled professional: the septic system designer.

But what exactly does a septic system designer do? It's much more than just picking out a tank. They play a crucial role in ensuring your wastewater is treated safely and efficiently, protecting both your property and the environment.

The Architect of Wastewater Treatment

A septic system designer is essentially an engineer specializing in on-site wastewater treatment. They're responsible for planning and designing a system that effectively treats and disposes of household wastewater. This involves a complex process that considers numerous factors:

Site Evaluation: This is the foundation of any good septic system design. The designer analyzes the soil type, topography, and water table of the property. Soil type is crucial as it determines how well the effluent (treated wastewater) will filter. Topography dictates how the system can be laid out, and the water table influences the depth and type of system that can be installed.
Local Regulations: Septic systems are heavily regulated to protect public health and the environment. Designers must be well-versed in local and state regulations, ensuring the system meets all requirements for setbacks, sizing, and installation.
Wastewater Volume: The size of the system depends on the estimated volume of wastewater the household will generate. This is typically based on the number of bedrooms in the house, as this correlates with the number of occupants.
System Type: There are various types of septic systems, including conventional systems with drainfields, and alternative systems for challenging sites with poor soil or high water tables. The designer determines the most appropriate system based on the site evaluation and wastewater volume.
Detailed Design and Plans: The designer creates detailed plans and specifications for the system, including the location of the tank, drainfield, and any other components. These plans are essential for obtaining permits and for the installation process.

Why is a Professional Designer So Important?

A properly designed septic system is crucial for several reasons:

Environmental Protection: A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater and surface water with harmful bacteria and pollutants. A well-designed system ensures proper treatment of wastewater, minimizing environmental impact.
Public Health: Contaminated water can pose serious health risks. A properly functioning system protects public health by preventing the spread of waterborne diseases.
System Longevity: A well-designed and installed system will function efficiently for many years. Poor design can lead to premature failure, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.
Property Value: A properly functioning septic system is a valuable asset to any property. Conversely, a failing system can significantly decrease property value.

Choosing the Right Designer

When selecting a septic system designer, look for:

Experience and Expertise: Choose a designer with a proven track record and extensive experience in septic system design.
Local Knowledge: A designer familiar with local regulations and soil conditions is essential.
Licensing and Certification: Ensure the designer is licensed and certified to practice in your area.

Investing in a professional septic system designer is an investment in the health of your property, your family, and the environment. They are the unsung heroes of wastewater management, ensuring that what goes out is handled responsibly and effectively.

Danielle Ralston 10/20/23 Danielle Ralston 10/20/23

Meet Joel Schwartz

In 2021 Joel began doing septic system designs on the side and by 2022 he felt ready to go out on his own. His experience working for the County has made him an expert at navigating the permitting process. His heart for service means he’ll be available to answer all your questions and will get you the right system for your needs at the best possible price. And his understanding of the science of Environmental Health means your septic system will protect you and the land around you.

Standard septic sets the standard for quality and service so you can focus on more glamorous parts of your project.

Joel Schwartz grew up on the eastern edge of LA County. Out there almost every tree is part of a landscape plan and all the ground is sod and concrete.

Like most of the kids he grew up with he didn’t have much of a plan but with his entrepreneurial spirit he felt like the American dream was open to him.

Joel graduated from UCLA into the Great Recession. Without any opportunities he moved back into his parents’ house in defeat. This became a time of Strenuous Stillness when all the effort in the world didn’t change the situation so all the power he had went into accepting that there wasn’t anything that could be done. When his mother suggested he volunteer to lead historic tours of El Pueblo de Los Angeles to fill his time and engage in his passion for California history, a spark of purpose was reignited.

Thats when Joel learned that purpose is more valuable than prosperity and service results in self sufficiency.
Along with the Pueblo, Joel did volunteer homeless outreach, then added helping gang members get their GED. One day Joel saw a homeless couple at Starbucks. He had learned a bit about how to help and offered what he knew. While at the Social Services office with the homeless man Joel learned about an open position. After a few years with Orange County Social Services, he transferred to Orange County Environmental Health where he did restaurant inspections in Newport Beach. In 2018 Joel took a position with Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services. Seeing the strawberry fields lining the freeway and the hills dense with wild oaks he felt a connection to the landscape that was always missing in Southern California. Joel started in a position issuing septic system permits, and inspected landfills, but eventually becoming the senior inspector, plan checking and issuing permits for all construction of restaurants, food trucks, pools, and tattoo facilities from the Gaviota Pass to the border of San Luis Obispo County.