Virtually all farms use a septic system or similar onsite wastewater treatment system. While these systems are generally economical and safe, household wastewater can contain contaminants that degrade water quality for such uses as drinking, stock watering, food preparation and cleaning. Potential contaminants in household wastewater include disease-causing bacteria, infectious viruses, household chemicals, and excess nutrients, such as nitrate.
Viruses can infect the liver, causing hepatitis.
Your septic system is one potential source, along with livestock yards and others. The quantity of wastewater can also present an environmental concern. Too much water entering the home treatment system reduces the efficiency of the system and can shorten its life. Your drinking water is least likely to be contaminated if you follow appropriate management procedures or dispose of wastewater in any location that is off the farm site. However, proper offsite disposal practices are essential to avoid risking contamination that could affect the water supplies and health of others.