What is a Septic System?

A “septic system,” also referred to as a private, on-site waste disposal system, receives waste water and solids from a building’s plumbing facilities (bathrooms, kitchens, shower, laundry), treats, and then disposes of the effluent from this waste, by permitting it to absorb into soils at the property.

Wastewater or septic effluent treatment is accomplished by bacterial (and other microorganism) action in the “septic” or “treatment” tank and it is mostly accomplished by bacteria in the soil around and below the effluent absorption system, or “drain field.”

This bacterial action is needed to reduce the level of pathogens in the effluent discharges from the waste system into the soil. In addition to reducing the level of pathogens and the reduction of organic waste to a combination of new cell masses, CO2, and water, wastewater treatment removes organic matter, nitrites and nitrates, and phosphorous. In an absorption field the soil performs an additional role of filtering the septic effluent.

Please contact the Seneca County Environmental Health Office for any further questions or permits, or click below for the most up to date regulations:

 

SENECA COUNTY WATERSHED PROTECTION LAW

NYS SEPTIC REGULATIONS

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