Sewage treatment systems come in a variety of different sizes and styles. It is important to find the best system for your property and needs, to ensure the most effective wastewater management treatment. This can be achieved by taking into account things like - the amount of waste produced, the location of the system, and the size of your property.
What is a sewage treatment system?
A sewage treatment system is used to collect and treat domestic wastewater onsite. This includes sewage and other wastewater from kitchens, laundry etc. Contaminants are removed through a range of treatment processes, so that the remaining liquid can then be safely released back into the environment. There is a variety of sewage treatment systems available on the market. The most popular are septic tanks and sewage treatment plants.
Septic tank
A septic tank uses a simple process which separates solids from wastewater, so the remaining liquid can receive additional treatment. The process starts with the wastewater entering an underground settlement chamber. Here, heavier solids settle at the bottom of the tank and form a sludge, while other materials float to the top and form a scum layer. This can then be easily removed from the liquid.
Sewage treatment plant
In addition to simply separating the solids, a sewage treatment plant effectively treats the wastewater using biological processes. The system aerates the chamber which encourages the growth of bacteria that helps remove harmful contaminants found in wastewater. The treated liquid can then be safely released directly into a local watercourse without the risk of pollution. Unlike septic tanks, sewage treatment plants contain mechanical components and require an electrical supply to operate.
How do you know if you have clay soil?
The best way to determine your soil type, is to take a close look at how your soil looks and feels. One of the most effective ways to identify if you have clay soil, is by noting how your soil acts in different weather conditions. If you find that the ground in your property is still wet several hours after heavy rain, then it is likely that you have clay soil. This is because clay soil is extremely dense, so takes longer to absorb liquid. If you notice that your soil becomes cracked after long periods of dry weather, then this may also be a sign that you have clay soil.
What is the problem with clay soil and septic tanks?
As discussed above, septic tanks use a filtration system to seperate the solid waste from the liquid wastewater. The liquid is passed through a soakaway system and is discharged into a drainage field. Clay is extremely dense and there aren’t large enough gaps between the particles in the soil to allow liquid to pass through. This means that the water cannot be effectively absorbed by the soil to receive further treatment. For that reason, most septic tanks are not suitable for soil with a high clay content. If you are unsure whether you have clay soil, then you can do a percolation test which is used to determine whether the soil at a property is suitable for a drainage field.
What is the best septic system for clay soils?
Clay soil does not support the drainage field system, which is a key component of septic tanks. For that reason, septic tanks are not effective when installed in soil with a high clay content. If you have clay soil on your property, then it is recommended that you upgrade to a full sewage treatment plant. These provide complete treatment within the system tank and the remaining liquid is of high enough quality to be safely released directly into water sources.
In most circumstances you won’t require a permit to discharge water from a sewage treatment plant. However, a number of criteria must be complied with, for example - the system must be installed and run in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, system maintenance must be carried out by a competent person, and the discharge must not cause pollution to ground or surface water. It is therefore always best to check with the Environment Agency, to make sure that your system and method of disposal meets the required standard.
