What is the function of a septic system?

The function of a septic system is primarily to treat and dispose of household wastewater on-site. A septic system is designed to manage residential wastewater effectively when connecting to a municipal sewer system is not feasible. It consists of a septic tank and a drain field, where wastewater is collected, allowed to settle, and then filtered through soil for further treatment.

In the septic tank, solids settle at the bottom forming sludge, while lighter waste products, such as grease, float to the top creating scum. The clarified wastewater in the middle flows out into the drain field, where it percolates through the soil, where natural biological processes treat the wastewater before it reaches the groundwater. This on-site treatment is crucial for preventing pollution and protecting public health, especially in rural or less densely populated areas.

This system operates independently and doesn’t require centralized treatment facilities, making it efficient for locations without public sewer access. The process highlights the system's role in both treating and safely disposing of wastewater, ensuring that it is properly managed and does not harm the environment or community health.