April 2023 Newsletter
https://bit.ly/KWEFApril2023Newsletter
Included in this issue:
Be Septic Smart
The Impact of Septic System Pollution on Water
How to ensure a Healthy Septic System
Planting on a Septic Bed
Be Septic Smart
Septic systems are part of our rural life. Taking care of them ensures that they work properly and do not damage our health, or our fragile ecosystem. Anything that goes down the drain — every shower drip and every toilet flush — flows to the septic system. It is important, from a health, financial and environmental perspective that we are familiar with how our system works and how to keep it working properly.
“Be Septic Smart” is an excellent informational booklet that explains septic systems – how they work and how to keep them healthy. It is available on our website: http://bit.ly/41iFc9Y
The Impact of Septic System Pollution on Water
Our survival depends on a healthy aquatic ecosystem; it is essential for microbial, plant and animal life. Our septic systems are potential sources of water pollution.
The use and maintenance of our septic systems can affect the quality of surface water bodies as well as local drinking water wells.
Many of our household products, such as soaps, shampoos and detergents contain phosphorus and nitrogen. If our septic system fails or is not maintained, the phosphorus and nitrogen can easily pollute our lakes, rivers and creeks. When there are too many of these nutrients in our surface water, the nutrients act as fertilizers which lead to a heightened growth of bacteria and algae in the water. This rapid growth of algae can reduce the quality of water, kill some aquatic life and introduce some toxins in the water. Algal blooms in lakes and streams have been found to be toxic to both humans and animals.
When a septic system is not functioning properly, contaminants from the effluent can find their way into our wells, resulting in the breakout of serious diseases. The bacteria, viruses, and protozoa from the wastewater can cause diseases like typhoid, gastrointestinal illness, hepatitis A and cholera.
Maintenance of our septic system is the most important step in ensuring the septic system doesn’t pollute the groundwater. It is important to monitor the drainfield area for any sign of failure such as surfacing sewage, odors or lush vegetation.
Pumping the septic tank every few years helps to ensure that sludge doesn’t accumulate to excessive amounts. When there is too much sludge in the tank, wastewater will be forced out of the tank prematurely and that can result in clogging of the drain field. It is also important to avoid using products that might harm the bacteria in the septic tank. Most commercial cleaning products are made from compounds and chemicals which are toxic to bacteria.
Source: https://www.bio-sol.ca
How to ensure a Healthy Septic System
Don’t overload the system with too much water – spread out use of showers/baths, dishwashers, washing machine.
Protect the system from external damage – don’t drive/park or plant trees or shrubs on the drainfield.
Avoid using harmful products in the sinks, shower, and toilet. Most of the chemical products used for cleaning are actually quite toxic to the useful and needed bacteria in your septic system.
Only flush human waste and toilet paper
Never flush these items down the toilet:
Drain cleaners
Hair
Oil & Latex paint
Solvents
Disinfectants
Bleach
Dental Floss
Facial Tissue
Paper Towels
Coffee Grounds
Cooking oil or grease
Cigarette butts
Sanitary napkins
Tampons
Disposable diapers
Condoms
Grounds from garburator
Toilet bowl cleaners`
Antifreeze
Oil or gas
Flushable kitty litter
Prescription drugs
Flushable wipes
Pesticides
Planting on a Septic Bed
Grasses (including ornamental grasses) often work best. Their shallow root systems are less likely to invade the septic system and cause damage. For the same reason, small, non-woody ground covers are a good choice. Native perennials also work well.
Certain trees and shrubs can cause damage with their aggressive roots when planted around septic tanks and drain fields. Choose shallow-rooted trees and shrubs and opt for native varieties; your local nursery will be able to advise what is native and shallow rooted.
Avoid planting large, fast-growing trees over your septic system. Some of the worst offenders when it comes to septic damage are trees and shrubs with root systems that aggressively seek out sources of water, such as willows and aspens. They aren't fussy about the water source they tap into, meaning the pipes in your septic tank drain field are very much fair game.
The roots of large, mature nearby trees can also pose a risk. The general rule is a tree needs to be at least as many feet away from your septic drain field as it is tall.
Some gardeners also might wonder whether they can put a vegetable garden over a septic field. That is not ideal. It's not safe to eat food crops grown in the ground around a drain field due to the risk of bacteria in the area.
Source: www.thespruce.com
Enjoy the lovely spring weather that has finally arrived!