Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment

This NebGuide explains the basics of a constructed wetland system, including how it works, design considerations and maintenance. In Nebraska, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) requires the landowner to have a permit prior to construction of a constructed wetland. The constructed wetland must be designed by a professional engineer. A registered environmental health specialist, professional engineer, certified installer, or someone under their direct supervision must install the system.

Many Nebraskans live in homes that do not have access to a public wastewater treatment system. Instead, they must rely on their own onsite systems for wastewater treatment and recycling. In southeastern Nebraska where soil has very slow percolation rates, a residential lagoon often provides treatment for wastewater. A septic tank/drainfield system is the most commonly used system throughout Nebraska. Wastewater from the home goes to the septic tank, where it receives some treatment. It is called effluent when it leaves the septic tank. Effluent contains bacteria, viruses, organic particles, chemicals and nutrients, and must receive additional treatment. The traditional drainfield, also known as a lateral, leachfield or soil absorption field, is appropriate for effluent treatment if soils and the site are suitable. Other types of effluent treatment systems include a gravelless drainfield, constructed wetland, and mound. Consider a constructed wetland for effluent treatment if the soil at a site has a slow percolation rate.