A septic system can present a serious health threat to homeowners, neighbours and water supplies. Microorganisms play an essential role in our environment. We selectively adapt our microorganisms to degrade specific substrates, at accelerated rates, by enhancing their capabilities for improved performance. To effectively operate a biological wastewater treatment system, it is necessary to consider the microbiology of the system, as well as the equipment functions. Therefore, when considering system improvements, one may wish to consider improving the effectiveness of the biomass by bioaugmentation .
Bacterial augmentation is the practice of assisting the bacterial population.
This is accomplished by the addition of specialized cultures developed to provide increased rates of organic reduction, or capabilities of degrading compounds, previously considered non-biodegradable. The object is not to replace the existing biomass, but to supplement it for improved efficiency. On a regular basis, sanitary wastewater systems receive shock loads containing heavy doses of laundry detergents, sanitizing agents, fats, oils, greases and tissue. These shock loads upset the delicate balance of the naturally occurring bacteria in the septic tank or wastewater system. The result of the shock loads renders those bacteria present and the system temporarily inactive.