Septic Smarts (Baltimore, MD)
Did you know that one in five Maryland residents rely on a septic system for waste disposal? That adds up to almost 400,000 private septic systems! 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 groundwater quality at risk.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
(Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, “Fragile: Handle with Care.” http://www.dnr.state.md.us/Bay/protect/home.html; Wellowner.org: Septic Systems – What You Need to Know (online information center about groundwater and wells))
