1. What is the difference between a conventional septic tank and a wastewater treatment system?
   
   
2. When would a treatment system be used over a conventional septic tank?
   
   
3. Aren't wastewater treatment systems smelly and leak contaminants into the Environment?
   
   
4. Can normal household chemicals be used with a wastewater treatment system?
   
   
5. How often should a septic tank or wastewater treatment system be emptied?
   
   
6. What is the advantages/disadvantages of Conventional Septic tanks vs. Wastewater treatment systems?

Q1. What is the difference between a conventional septic tank and a wastewater treatment system?

A Conventional septic tank processes wastewater by anaerobic activity and solids settlement only. A Conventional septic tank is totally dependant on the soil /disposal system to treat the wastewater prior to entry to the ground water.

A Sewage treatment system incorporates options for both anaerobic/aerobic processes ensuring that the treated wastewater is a very high standard. The wastewater is treated to such a degree that it can be disposed safely into the soil and the ground water.

Q2. When would a treatment system be used over a conventional septic tank?

Wastewater treatment systems can be used in almost all domestic applications, however there are some sites that will not allow for the safe disposal of treated wastewater even from a wastewater treatment plant.

Wastewater treatment systems should be used on all sites, as there is no comparison in terms of effluent quality compared to a conventional septic tank. Conventional Septic tanks will not work on most sites due to the ground conditions and as they totally depend on the soil to treat the wastewater the risk of groundwater contamination is extremely high.

Q3. Aren't wastewater treatment systems smelly and leak contaminants into the Environment?

NO! Wastewater treatment systems that are properly designed, certified by the Irish Agreement Board and conforming to the European directive EN12566 and installed correctly do not smell or leak contaminants. It is badly constructed septic tanks, poor site selection, poor and inadequate disposal system construction, that leads to smells, ponding of wastewater and leaks to the environment and groundwater.

Q4. Can normal household chemicals be used with a wastewater treatment system?

All biodegradable household chemicals are generally safe for use with wastewater treatment systems. It is excessive use of bleaches and non-bio agents that can lead to operational efficiency difficulties.

Q5. How often should a septic tank or wastewater treatment system be emptied?

The following table shows the frequency of desludging required for a conventional septic tank system.

The frequency of desludging required for a wastewater treatment systems will vary depending on the system used. Generally a properly designed system with adequate storage capacity will vary from 3 - 5yrs. It is important however to seek advice from the specific manufacturer of the system chosen.

Q6 What is the advantages/disadvantages of Conventional Septic tanks vs. Wastewater treatment systems?

Conventional Septic tanks
Advantages

• Cheap

Disadvantages

• Requirements for soil to provide the treatment require a comparatively larger disposal system. Does not remove any pathogens. Not an option for poor sites (i.e.) poor percolation, high water table etc.

Wastewater Treatment Systems

Advantages

• Advanced Technology
• Wastewater is treated
• Does not depend on the soil to treate the wastewater
• Provides a safe and environmental solution for nearly any site.
• Allows for disinfection, nutrient removal.
• Ensures that ground water pollution will not occur

Disadvantages

• There are none.

If you are interested in protecting your environment and the ground water at your site, any of the so called disadvantages such as additional Capital and Operation Costs are not a factor.