Septic Systems
A septic system is a small wastewater treatment system that uses the soil to treat wastewater flows. They usually treat water from individual homes in rural or large lot settings where centralized wastewater treatment is impractical.
Septic systems are individually designed for each site, most systems are based on the same principles. The septic system is made up of a septic tank, a distribution box, and a drain field connected by pipes called conveyance lines.
The septic system treats wastewater by temporarily holding it in the septic tank, where the heavy solids and lighter scum separate from the wastewater. The solids in the tank are decomposed by bacteria and eventually removed, along with the scum, by a professional septic tank pumper. The partially treated wastewater then leaves the tank and flows into a distribution box where the flow is separated evenly in to a network of drain field trenches. The effluent slowly seeps in to the subsurface soil where it is further treated and purified. A properly functioning septic system does not pollute the soil or groundwater.
Tips to avoid trouble:
DO
- Have the tank pumped and system inspected every 3-5 years
- Keep a record of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance
- Conserve water
- Know the location of the septic drain field. If the system has a flow diversion valve, turn it once a year to extend the life of the septic system
- Divert roof drains and surface water away from the septic system
- Use bleach, disinfectants, drain and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly
DON’T
- Allow anybody to drive or park over any part of the septic system
- Make or allow repairs to the septic system without obtaining the required health permit
- Use commercial septic tank additives
- Use your toilet as a trash can
- Pour harmful chemicals or non-degradable items down the drain
Warning signs of a failing system
- Sewage surfacing over the drain field, especially after storms
- Sewage backups in the house
- Lush, green growth over the drain field
- Slow drains or toilets
- Sewage odors
Failing septic systems can pose a serious health threat to thousands of water supply users, degrade the environment, reduce property values, and cost a lot of money to repair. Improperly abandoned septic tanks can become a hazard in future years as they may cave in.
The Code Enforcement & Public Health Division handles certain complaints about septic systems- use or abandonment. However, Hennepin County processes permits regarding repairs to existing systems. When individual septic systems fail and cannot be repaired to meet current regulations and city sewer service is available, City regulations require connection to the City sewer system. (City Code 99.06).
Contacts:
For more information on septic systems, contact the Code Enforcement & Public Health Division at (763) 493-8070 or the state health agency.
Minnesota State Statutes
MS 115.55
Minnesota Department of Health: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/emergency/natural/floods/sewage/index.html
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: www.pca.state.mn.us/programs/ists/index.html
Hennepin County: www.co.hennepin.mn.us
Other information:
Environmental Protection Agency
http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/home.cfm
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/srf_for_decentralized_systems.pdf
City Codes on line:
