Co-Owner · October 11, 2024
Taking care of your septic system is good for your household, and it's good for the land around you. Here in Northwest Arkansas, folks care about the Ozarks and the creeks and lakes. Here's how a well-kept septic system helps, plus a few tips for going easy on the environment.
Protecting Local Waterways
One of the most significant environmental benefits of proper septic system maintenance is the protection of local waterways. Northwest Arkansas is home to many beautiful rivers, lakes, and streams that are important to the ecosystem and the community. A well-maintained septic system prevents contaminants such as nitrates, phosphates, and harmful bacteria from leaching into the groundwater and eventually into these waterways.
Why it matters: dirty water can cause algae blooms, which use up the oxygen in the water and hurt fish and other wildlife. It can also make water unsafe to swim in, and it can hurt the drinking water for folks nearby.
Reducing Groundwater Contamination
Septic systems are designed to treat wastewater naturally by filtering it through the soil. However, if a system is not properly maintained, it can fail and allow untreated wastewater to seep into the ground. This can lead to contaminated drinking water sources such as private drinking water wells.
Why it matters: healthy soil helps protect groundwater. When wastewater pools or gets into the groundwater, it affects you and the people around you. It can reach your neighbors' drinking water and run into rivers, lakes, and streams. That can close swim beaches and rivers.
Cutting down on odor and pooling sewage
A septic system that isn't working can turn your yard into a health hazard. Pooling sewage stinks, it fills the soil with bacteria and parasites, and at worst it can make people sick. Even at best, the smell will ruin a cookout.
Why it matters: keeping Northwest Arkansas clean protects people's health and the outdoors that brings folks here to live and visit. Cutting down on pooling sewage helps keep it that way for our kids and grandkids.
Tips for going easy on the environment
Maintaining your septic system with the environment in mind is not difficult, and small changes can make a big difference. Here are some tips for eco-friendly septic care:
1. Get it inspected and pumped
Regular inspections and septic pumping are important for preventing overflow and making sure solids are properly broken down. Typically, most systems needs to be pumped every three to five years, depending on usage. Properly calculating this is important for the prevention of major issues.
2. Use Water Efficiently
Conserving water reduces the load on your septic system. Fix any leaks, install water-saving fixtures, and spread out water usage throughout the day to prevent overloading the system.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Household chemicals, such as bleach, drain cleaners, and pesticides, can disrupt the natural bacteria in your septic tank that break down waste. Use eco-friendly cleaning products and dispose of chemicals properly to maintain the balance of your septic system.
4. Proper Waste Disposal, Including “flushable wipes”
Watch what you flush or pour down the drain. Diapers, menstrual products, paper towels, and anything else that doesn't break down can clog the system. “Flushable” wipes are one of the worst. They say flushable on the package, but they don't break down like toilet paper, and they cause real trouble in a septic system. Throw them in the trash.
5. Take care of the drain field
Don't park on your drain field or plant trees over it. Roots can break the pipes, and packed-down soil can't filter the water. Keep the area clear so the system can do its job.
6. Educate Your Household
Make sure everyone in the house knows how to treat the septic system. Little things like not flushing the wrong stuff and going easy on water go a long way.
Conclusion
Proper septic system maintenance is important for protecting the environment in Northwest Arkansas. By taking care of your septic system, you contribute to the health of local waterways, while reducing water pollution and keeping your septic field free of pooling sewage. Implementing eco-friendly septic care practices helps preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of our region.