Environmental and Health Concerns of Septic Tanks
A septic tank provides a simple, eco-friendly, and effective waste management alternative, as long as it’s properly sited and maintained. Unlike some public sewage treatment plants that may use potentially hazardous chemicals to treat wastewater, septic tanks rely on a completely natural process. Septic tanks are configured to break down waste in a closed anaerobic system and then transfer the liquid waste to the drainfield, where it’s filtered and purified as it seeps down into the soil.
However, an improperly maintained or failing septic tank can contaminate groundwater, pollute nearby water sources, and create serious environmental and health concerns. At Septic Blue of Charlotte, we are a trusted septic company that offers a wide range of septic services, including septic tank pumping, septic cleaning, septic tank maintenance, and more.
Let’s look at the environmental and health consequences of failing septic tanks:
Water Pollution
A damaged septic tank may release phosphorus, nitrogen, and other hazardous minerals into groundwater, resulting in contaminated drinking water. If a septic tank that is located near a stream, pond, or water well is not functioning properly, the liquid waste can find its way into these water sources. The hazardous compounds, bacteria, parasites, and viruses that may be present in the liquid waste can cause diseases such as typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, blue baby syndrome, gastrointestinal illnesses, and more. To avoid septic tank failure and water pollution, ensure your septic tank is properly installed and maintained. Also, watch out for signs of septic problems and call in a professional septic company as soon as you notice a problem.
Environmental Damage
A failing septic tank can result in nutrient pollution—a situation where there are too many nutrients in surface water. The nutrients will cause an overgrowth of algae and cyanobacteria, which can kill aquatic life and introduce toxins into the water. Algae blooms have been found to be toxic to humans and animals.
