Septic Smarts (Atlanta, GA)
The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District estimates that there are more than half-a-million septic tanks in the 16-county area, and over 12,000 new systems are being added each year! About 40 percent of these tanks are at least 20 years old – the expected life-span of an average septic tank. As septic systems age, they can become less efficient at treating and filtering wastes, putting groundwater quality at risk.
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. Instead, direct much-needed rainwater into garden areas or collect the water in a rain barrel for outdoor use.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
(Sources: Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District; Wellowner.org: Septic Systems – What You Need to Know (online information center about groundwater and wells))