Water, Air and Climate Change Branch
WATER QUALITY
Clean
Water...It Starts with You
Onsite
Sewage Systems
We
depend on clean water. Not only does it provide a home
for plants and animals, and drinking water for people,
but it provides recreation, tourism and job opportunities.
Many of us don't realize how our daily activities affect
the water quality in our local marine and fresh water bodies. |
|
Did
You Know?
- If
you live in an area with storm drains... when you wash
your car, the soapy water and debris can run off your driveway
into a storm drain that empties directly into local water bodies.
- If
you have an onsite sewage system such as a septic system... that
is not properly sized, constructed or maintained, the
drainfield can
become plugged which can cause partially treated wastewater
to surface on your lawn or in ditches which lead to local
water bodies.
- If
you live on a farm or ranch... livestock manure,
sediments and improperly applied pesticides and fertilizers
can contaminate local water bodies.
- If
you are a boater... the dumping of sewage, leaking
fuel and oil and using toxic cleaning products can threaten
water quality, especially near the shoreline.
These are just a few examples of nonpoint source pollution. It
is different from point source pollution which comes from
well defined sources, such as a sewage pipe or industry pipe.
Nonpoint source pollution comes from many places. It's not
easy to identify or control, and all of us, often without
knowing, contribute to it. Although progress has been made
in reducing nonpoint and point source pollution, nonpoint source pollution remains a leading threat to water quality
in BC.
It All Adds Up
Small amounts
of nonpoint source pollution from each one of us may not seem
to be a problem. But the combined effects of pollutants from
almost four million British Columbians is threatening our clean
water resources. Closed beaches, contaminated shellfish beds,
fish kills and unsafe drinking water are just some of the environmental
impacts.
We can reduce nonpoint source pollution. You can make a difference
as an individual or by joining or forming a community stewardship
group which cares for a local waterbody. BC Environment (now
called Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection) has produced
five CLEAN WATER brochures:nonpoint source
pollution, urban runoff, onsite sewage systems, agriculture
and pleasure boating. All provide tips that people can
follow to reduce or prevent nonpoint source pollution. This
brochure focuses on onsite sewage systems and
water quality.
Clean Water...It starts with you!
How
Do Onsite Sewage Systems Work?
Onsite sewage
systems are effective at treating household sewage if designed
properly and maintained regularly. In typical onsite sewage
systems, the wastewater from toilets and other drains flows
from your house into a tank that separates the solids and scum
from the liquid. Bacteria help break down the solids into sludge.
The liquid flows out of the tank into a network of pipes buried
in a drainfield of gravel and soil. Holes in the pipes allow
the water to be released into the drainfield. The soil, gravel
and naturally occurring bacteria in the soil filter and cleanse
the wastewater. So...
What
Can Go Wrong?
- Onsite sewage
systems can fail and untreated wastewater can be carried to
nearby water bodies threatening human health, causing excessive
algal growth and harming aquatic life.
- If your
onsite sewage system is not properly located on your property
or in an appropriate depth of suitable soil, the system may
not fully treat the wastewater. The wastewater can seep down
into the ground water polluting drinking water supplies or rise
to the surface and flow over the land into nearby water bodies.
- If you don't
have your septic tank pumped out regularly, the solids and
scum can flow into the drainfield and plug it up. If the drainfield
gets clogged, untreated wastewater can rise to the surface
threatening your family's and neighbours' health, reducing
the value of your property and creating odours and the need
for costly repairs.
- If you use
too much water in your home, wastewater can be flushed out
too quickly and solids can flow into the drainfield, causing
it to plug. The less you flush or pour down your drains, the
better your onsite sewage system will work.
What Are the Warning Signs?
You may
have a failing onsite sewage system if you notice one or more
of the following signs:
- Unusually
green or spongy grass over the system.
- Toilets,
showers and sinks back up or take a long time to drain.
- Sewage surfacing
on your lawn or in a nearby ditch.
- Sewage odours
around your yard, especially after rain.
What Can You do About It?
The front
cover shows a septic servicer pumping a tank. You too can do your
part to prevent nonpoint source pollution. Follow these tips
to protect water bodies near your onsite sewage system.
- You must
obtain permission from an Environmental Health Officer
or Public Health Inspector before installing, repairing or
upgrading an onsite sewage system. This will ensure that your
system meets local requirements for density, setbacks, size,
location and construction.
- Take time
to be aware of your system — owners have to play
a role in the management and maintenance of their system.
Create a
map of your lot showing the location of the onsite sewage
system and leave it for the next owners.
- Have your
septic tank inspected yearly and pumped out every 2 to 5 years
by a septic service company. Regular pumping is cheaper than
having to rebuild a drainfield.
- Upgrade
your onsite sewage system when you upgrade your home (i.e.,
when you add a bedroom or suite).
- Practice
water conservation-use water wisely. For example, run the dishwasher
only when full, and use low-flow showerheads and toilets.
- Don't use
garburators — this will reduce the amount of solids and
grease you put into the system.
- Don't put
toxic chemicals down the drain because they can kill the bacteria
at work in your onsite sewage system and can contaminate water
bodies.
- Avoid pouring
grease or fats down the drain.
- Use biodegradable
household cleaners instead of bleach or other hazardous products.
- Avoid flushing
pet wastes into the system — bury them instead.
- Don't drive,
pave or put heavy objects or machinery over the septic field.
- Avoid planting
trees or shrubs near the drainfield because their roots can
damage or plug the pipes.
- Don't over
water the drainfield or allow roof or perimeter drains to run
onto the drainfield.
- Avoid using
septic tank 'starters' or similar products. Allow the bacteria
to act on their own.
Our
individual actions add up!
You Can Make a Difference!
Protect
clean water supplies by preventing nonpoint source pollution
in the first place. It will take all of us working together
cooperatively with neighbours, in our communities and with
all levels of government to keep water clean.
Clean Water...It
starts with you!
updated: August
3, 2001
