Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment

Many Nebraskans rely on a private onsite wastewater treatment system, whether it is a traditional septic tank and drainfield, a lagoon or another system specifically engineered for the site. Selecting the most appropriate system and properly sizing the selected system depends on site conditions and wastewater generation. Soil characteristics, especially the soil percolation rate, are important for evaluating the residential site's suitability for an onsite wastewater treatment system. Soil varies from one location to another, even within short distances. Therefore, before selecting a site for an onsite wastewater treatment system, measure soil permeability using a soil percolation test. The percolation rate is used to select the most appropriate system, and to determine the proper size for the system.