ABSTRACT
This chapter explains design factors, locational criteria, and operational and maintenance measures for septic tank systems. It focuses on those factors, criteria, and measures which will provide appropriate ground water quality protection. The chapter begins with some general information on septic tank systems and septic tank design and operation and subsurface disposal system design and operation. It addresses a variation of the basic system – the septic tank-mound system popularized in Wisconsin. Septic tank systems consist of the septic tank and associated soil absorption system. Sound principles of engineering should be used in designing both system components. The basic septic tank system consists of a buried tank where waterborne wastes are collected, and scum, grease and settle able solids are removed from the liquid by gravity separation; and a subsurface drain system where clarified effluent percolates into the soil. Septic tanks are buried, water-tight receptacles designed and constructed to receive wastewater from one to multiple housing units or industrial processes.
