Septic Smarts (Boston, MA)
There are more than 200 homes in the city of Boston that are not connected to the public sewer system, and more than 25 percent of Americans rely on a septic system for wastewater disposal. 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: City of Boston, Housing Division, Septic System Inspections: http://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/housing/housinginfo.asp; New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, www.neiwpcc.org; Wellowner.org: Septic Systems – What You Need to Know (online information center about groundwater and wells))