Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment

The most common onsite wastewater treatment system for rural homes consists of a septic tank and drainfield, with more than 25% of all U.S. homes having such systems. The success of an onsite wastewater treatment system depends largely on soil characteristics, as well as system design, installation and maintenance. This NebGuide will explain the important role soil plays in treating and returning treated wastewater to the environment by way of a traditional or gravelless drainfield. Soil plays an important role in effluent treatment in an onsite wastewater treatment system. Soil characteristics, along with a site evaluation, and estimated wastewater generation information are vital for selecting and designing the type of onsite wastewater treatment system best suited for a particular location.