Septic Smarts (Albuquerque, NM)
Did you know that more than 60 million Americans rely on an on-site septic system for home waste disposal? In addition, about one-third of new development in the U.S. is served by septic systems or other decentralized waste management sytems. Septic systems function by collecting waste in an underground tank for treatment, and then allowing liquids to slowly soak through surrounding soil, which filters out bacteria and nutrients before reaching groundwater supplies.
Viewer Tip: If you have a septic system, it is important to make sure house gutters, sump pump drains, and other outdoor drainage systems for rainwater do not drain onto the soil absorption area. If the soil around your tank becomes soggy or flooded, it can be less effective at treating wastewater, putting our groundwater quality at risk. This is especially important in and around Albuquerque, where our drinking water comes solely from groundwater supplies!
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
(Sources: US EPA Office of Wastewater Management: Septic Systems, http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/home.cfm?program_id=70; Wellowner.org: Septic Systems – What You Need to Know (online information center about groundwater and wells)