![]() ![]() A septic tank is a large, watertight, corrosion-resistant, buried container that receives raw sewage from the plumbing drains of the home. How does a septic tank/absorption field system work?Ī septic tank system consists of three major components: the septic tank, a distribution device and an absorption field. To ensure compliance with local codes and to reduce their environmental liability, homeowners should consult with their county health department sanitarian or building regulations department prior to new construction or repair of any onsite sewage system.įor counties that have adopted the state standards without modifications, homeowners with single family residences on lot sizes of less than 3 acres must obtain a county permit before beginning construction of any sewage system. Individual counties may adopt stricter standards than those outlined by the state legislation. 1, 1996, sets minimum construction, design and permitting standards for onsite sewage systems. To reduce public health risks and protect drinking water supplies, state legislation that took effect Jan. Failing systems include both those that you can see and smell and those that seep effluent, or waste liquids, into groundwater supplies before the soil can properly remove disease-causing pathogens. Misuse of individual sewage systems results not only in water quality problems and nuisance conditions, but also in costly repairs to rehabilitate a failing system. In many situations, an existing system that is failing may not be "repairable." Thus a completely new system may be needed. ![]() Where access to a public sewer system is unfeasible or too expensive, proper siting and design of an onsite sewage system is critical to avoid its premature failure. Exposure to sewer gases can also cause discomfort and illness.įor at-risk areas, connecting to an adequate public sewer system is generally the best alternative for disposing of domestic sewage from private residences. Drinking water contaminated with sewage can cause health problems such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, dysentery and hepatitis. Human contact with sewage is a serious public health risk. Depending on the county, 60 to 99 percent of the soils show severe limitations for using absorption field systems. Based on the General Soils Map of Missouri, counties in the Missouri Ozarks are particularly at risk. Several surveys throughout the state have shown that 70 percent, or 150,000, of these systems are not functioning properly. Nearly 30 percent of all housing units in Missouri use onsite wastewater treatment systems most of these are septic tank/absorption field systems. A septic tank/absorption field is the most common onsite sewage treatment system in use in Missouri. ![]()
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