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Photograph of a failed septic system on bedrock on a hill (C)2006 Daniel Friedman Factors that Determine the Wastewater Treatment Effectiveness & Life of a Septic Drainfield or Soakbed

How well do drainfields treat septic effluent how long do septic drainfields last?

This article focuses on how the septic drainfield treats residential wastewater, lists factors which determine the effectiveness of a septic leach field in treating septic effluent, and explains life expectancy and basics of onsite wastewater treatment processes - an explanation of the basics.

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What Factors Determine Drainfield Effectiveness in Treating Septic Wastewater or Effluent?

Wastewater treatment is "The process of removing pollutants and pathogens from wastewater, discharging the water to the environment where it is recycled, and disposing of the byproducts of the treatment process." [Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Burks & Minnis, cited below.]

The treatment of wastewater achieved by soils in a properly working and properly designed drainfield (for example at proper flow rate, soil characteristics, total area and treatment time, and proper depth to achieve both aerobic and anaerobic processes) can achieve onsite treatment level 2 (OTL-2).

While texts commonly cite soil depth to limiting conditions (such as bedrock or impermeable clay) and soil percolation rate (water flow rate through the soil), I add these additional practical considerations that are also determining influences on the ability of a drainfield to treat wastewater to make the following list:


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