Septic Systems

Septic Systems and Water Treatment Devices

Definition

Septic design allows for the use and discharge of water treatment devices to septic IF the septic system is designed to handle the hydraulic load AND the water chemistry.

CWQA’s position on septic systems and water treatment devices

In the last decade, CWQA and WQA/WQRF/NOWRA separately had developed research and policy to manage the myths around what softened water and its regeneration waters do to a septic system.

The CWQA position is that water treatment devices are allowed to discharge to septic if the septic system is designed to handle the hydraulic load. Only in very specific circumstances would this not be allowed in Canada because of the clay type, chemistry and content. The adverse effect is not observed in the septic tank but in the leach field. Modern or advanced designs of the leach field can mitigate this risk.

How CWQA members can help

Historically, the onsite wastewater treatment industry has not been supportive of water treatment devices going to septic systems. In the last two decades, water treatment systems have become more salt and water conserving and the research developed supports that there is no technical basis for not allowing water treatment discharges going to septic.

What is CWQA doing about it?

CWQA has helped develop research, policy and even wastewater design standards as well as their adoption into code to encourage the conversations. Recent articles merging the knowledge gained from the WQRF studies on the settling behavior of softened waters to the chemical reactions of clays in the leach field have developed a recent body on knowledge that shows that softeners are not damaging to traditional septic systems.

Residential Septic Systems

When considering potential risks regarding your water source it is important to remember that what you see on the surface is not always what is going on under the ground. A septic system is out of site, and therefore quite often forgotten. As a major component of a country home’s wastewater system, it has the potential to impact the water quality for the home and the surrounding area. Properly installed septic systems are designed to prevent the leaching of chemicals and bacteria. Older systems and systems with improper leaching beds or holding tanks can result in septic effluent contaminating the ground or even a neighbouring water supply.

 Read more about residential septic systems…