In fact, septic systems provide the benefit of recycling used water directly to ground water supplies, now seriously depleted in some areas in New Jersey. However, in areas with high population densities, septic systems have resulted in some contamination of ground water and wells. A key problem with septic systems is a misunderstanding of their function and purpose. Septic systems are designed for the treatment of sanitary waste. They are not intended for the disposal of household waste or other chemicals.
Proper maintenance is crucial in keeping a septic system working.
The septic tank is a container, usually prefabricated from concrete. It receives wastewater from your bathroom, kitchen and laundry room and allows heavy solid particles to settle and light materials to float to the surface of the tank. Bacteria in the system help to break down organic matter in the wastewater. This process requires time. To permit enough time for settling and flotation, regulations require that septic tanks be sized according to the expected daily flow of wastewater from your home.