Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District
SANITATION PROGRAMS & STUDIES
Molzen-Corbin, an Albuquerque engineering firm, is conducting a study of our area especially as it relates to a future sanitation system. They will research sanitation systems that might fit our needs, including the recovery of the wastewater.
The District Board has drafted a plan for instituting a septic tank pumping program for all residents of the District. The overall purpose is to avoid septic tank problems while we still rely on this kind of system.
This is a program funded by federal (EPA) funds and identified as NESC (National Environmental Services Center). The program promotes on-site (individual homeowner property) wastewater treatment.
SEPTIC TANK MAINTENANCE
SAVE $$ AND HEADACHES – PROPER CARE OF YOUR SEPTICTANK
INTRODUCTION:
As part of its plan for managing our water resources, the Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District (EAW&SD) offers this circular on septic tanks. Many residents new to this area have no experience with septic systems; and the following information is an attempt to prevent human impacts to our water supplies through education. All homes in the District have septic systems, therefore there is always some potential for contaminating our water supplies, particularly in areas near wells.
Septic systems are an environmentally-safe way to dispose of our liquid wastes provided they’re working correctly and only acceptable wastes are disposed of. Properly installed, used and maintained septic systems will help protect our environment. The major cause of failure in septic systems is negligence in maintaining the system - something we, as homeowners, can prevent. “Penny wise, pound foolish” applies to your septic system. Dumping prohibited wastes down the drain or failure to have the tank cleaned out on a regular basis (normally every 3 to 4 years) can lead to failure of the disposal field. This, in turn, leads to contamination of the soils around the system, increased potential for ruining groundwater supplies, and expensive repairs to the septic system.
SEPTIC SYSTEMS:
The parts of a septic system are: (1) the septic tank, which receives liquid waste, by way of the sewer line, and stores it temporarily before allowing the liquid portion to flow out to (2) the distribution box, a device which evens out the liquids’ flow volume into (3) the disposal field where the waste liquid is released into the soil for treatment by microorganisms.
Although there are several components to this system, primary emphasis in this document is the tank. Proper use and maintenance of the septic tank is easy to do and will go a long way in preventing problems in the rest of the system.
SEPTIC TANKS:
Liquid wastes flow from your sink, shower, toilet, etc. through the sewer line and into the septic tank. In the septic tank the first stage of liquid waste treatment occurs as biological digestion of some of the solids begins and gravity separation of liquids, solids and gases takes place. The heavier solids sink and accumulate as sludge in the lower part of the tank. The lighter solids, and gases, rise to the upper part of the tank and accumulate as scum. The partly clarified liquids then flow out of the tank to the distribution box and disposal field for final treatment and disposal.
The tank and its outlet to the distribution box are designed for just the liquid portions of the waste to leave the tank. The sludge and scum remain behind to be removed by a commercial tank cleaner. If they are not pumped out on a regular basis there will be less space in the tank for future wastes, less space in which gravity separation can occur, and solids may escape the tank and ruin the disposal field. Please see the EAW&SD website (www.eldoradowaterdistrict.com) for additional information on pumping out the tank.
To protect the environment and your septic system such things as treatment additives (used to reduce the frequency of proper maintenance) and toxic pollutants should NOT be dumped into your septic system. Common toxic pollutants include motor oil, gasoline, paint, varnish solvents, pesticides and harsh chemicals such as bleach. A list of New Mexico-regulated toxic pollutants may be found online at www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/nmac/parts/title20/20.006.0002.
In addition, local septic tank pumpers advise against flushing any items which can block and clog the system (e.g. wooden matches, tampons, coffee and tea grounds, etc.). Although it might be tempting at times to flush unsuitable wastes down the drain, this could increase the potential for damaging the groundwater aquifers, can hurt your septic system, may be expensive to repair, and is unnecessary. Santa Fe City and County co-sponsor an annual Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day to encourage citizens to clean out the chemicals being stored at home and dispose of them where they are accepted without charge. The location is the city’s Transfer Station, 1686 Paseo de Vista. Watch for information in The Santa Fe New Mexican and on the EAW&SD web site.
IF THINGS GO WRONG:
Slow drainage, back-up of wastes, odors, bubbling sounds, and water collecting on the ground surface in your septic system’s disposal field are signs of problems. Some of them can be simple plumbing issues - or they may indicate failure in one or more of the parts of your septic system. If the latter, you are advised to call out the septic system professionals, starting with the plumber, as soon as possible to have them do what’s needed to bring your septic system back into good operating condition.
TO MIMIMIZE THE THINGS GOING WRONG:
Remember that protection of the environment and of your septic system is up to you. Avoid pouring the prohibited wastes down the drain and set up a regular schedule to have the septic tank pumped out. The EAW&SD has additional information on the latter on its website (www.eldoradowaterdistrict.com/, click on Sanitation, and SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROGRAM. Also keep in mind that less waste put into the septic system lessens the things that can go awry with the system. Composting is an excellent way to dispose of a lot of kitchen wastes and, at the same time, help improve the soil in your garden. Anything that might clog the plumbing of the system should not be introduced.
EAWSD Web Site by Starfinger Software