There’s more than one way to manage your wastewater, and for many property owners, the smart solution is to invest in an aerobic septic system. That’s because aerobic wastewater systems offer several benefits to property owners, including:
- Higher quality effluent and reduced environmental impact
- Smaller physical footprint
- Extended drain field and septic system lifespan
- Reduced solid waste and odor output
In many cases, aerobic wastewater systems will perform better and deliver better overall value than a traditional septic system, but it depends on several property-specific factors. If you are developing a property or replacing an existing wastewater system, consider scheduling an inspection with a septic expert to determine which septic technology makes sense for you.
What is an Aerobic Wastewater System?
Aerobic systems are an alternative to traditional septic tanks and are designed a bit differently than your typical septic system. They consist of:
- The septic tank – This tank is essentially a small septic tank, responsible for capturing wastewater and allowing solid and liquid waste to separate. While traditional septic systems typically have two septic tanks, aerobic systems only need a single tank.
- The aerobic treatment unit (aeration tank) – This is the heart of every aerobic wastewater system. The aerobic treatment unit (ATU) consists of a separate treatment tank and an air pump that delivers a constant stream of oxygen into the tank. Aerobic bacteria in the ATU are fueled by this oxygen and go to work breaking down the effluent.
- The clarifier and pump tank – Following aerobic treatment, the wastewater then moves to a small clarifier tank (or pump tank). Here, the remaining solids settle out of the wastewater before it’s drained out of the system.
- The drain field – Drain fields are incorporated into traditional septic systems and aerobic wastewater systems, and they play the same role in both instances. Specifically, treated effluent is pumped to the drain field, where microorganisms in the soil finish the job.
Four Benefits of an Aerobic Septic System
If your property is a good fit for an aerobic wastewater system, it will provide several advantages over a standard septic tank. These advantages include:
- Better effluent quality and lower environmental impact – Aerobic wastewater systems output better quality effluent than standard septic systems, due to aerobic activity on the waste. Better effluent quality means better environmental safety and a lower risk of groundwater contamination. In areas with a high water table or stringent environmental standards, higher effluent quality may be necessary.
- Reduced physical footprint – Aerobic wastewater systems feature smaller tanks and therefore require less space than a standard septic system. With their more compact size, aerobic treatment systems can provide wastewater service to properties where a full-size septic tank won’t fit. They are also a better fit in areas with a high water table as they don’t have to be buried as deeply.
- Improved wastewater system lifespan – An aerobic wastewater system eases some of the strain on the rest of your system components. For example, aerobic treatment processes solid waste more efficiently and is better at keeping that effluent from clogging up your drain field lines. The result is fewer clogs, fewer mechanical issues and an extended lifespan for your drain field.
- Less solid waste and fewer odors – Aerobic wastewater systems are better at suppressing foul odors and processing solid waste, which can prevent a variety of problems with your wastewater system (like leaks, clogs and backups). In this way, an aerobic treatment unit can protect health and comfort.
When is an Aerobic Wastewater System Recommended?
It isn’t always clear whether a standard septic tank or aerobic wastewater system is the best fit for a particular property. Ultimately, that’s something for a septic professional to determine. When a reputable professional assesses your project, they’ll consider the following factors when selecting your wastewater system:
- The size and layout of your property (aerobic treatment systems are ideal for smaller, compact properties).
- Environmental and groundwater standards (aerobic wastewater systems are recommended in areas where tighter groundwater standards are present or properties located near water sources).
- The condition of your property’s soils (aerobic treatment systems are better for challenging soils like clay or rocky soils).
- Expected wastewater volumes (aerobic treatment systems can effectively be sized for larger commercial properties).
Your septic expert will consider the above factors and more when choosing the best wastewater system for your property.
Aerobic Wastewater Systems are an Efficient, Green Alternative to Other Septic Technologies
If you’re having a new wastewater system installed or are replacing an existing one, an aerobic treatment unit may be the right fit for your project. A septic professional can determine for sure, but if your property is smaller or has an unusual layout, if it contains unstable soils, or if there are groundwater concerns, an aerobic wastewater system will likely be an effective fit. If those sound relevant to your project, schedule an inspection with a reputable septic professional for a complete assessment.
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