As
residents of Lake Tallavana, we pay a hefty sum in dues
to the Association, and we are all well aware that a
large percentage of our dues goes to maintain the health
of the lake.
Over the years, data complied by our Lake Watch committee
indicates that nitrogen levels have been slowing
increasing and that visibility has been slowly
decreasing to only about 2 feet down. While some
of the troubles with the water quality is due to
upstream runoff and erosion issues, we must admit that
much of the cause in poor water quality can be
attributed to our very own homeowners' septic
tanks.
A septic system should effectively accept liquid
wastes from your house and prevent biological and
nutrient contaminants from getting into nearby lakes and streams. Anytime these things do not
happen, the system is failing.
By far the most common reason for early failure is
improper maintenance by homeowners. When a system is
poorly maintained and not pumped out on a regular basis,
sludge (solid material) builds up inside the septic
tank, then flows into the absorption field, clogging it
beyond repair.
Homeowners wanting to take good care of their septic systems should
take care not to flush the following items down
the drain or toilet:
| hair
combings |
coffee
grounds |
| dental
floss |
disposable
diapers |
|
kitty litter |
cigarette butts |
|
sanitary napkins |
tampons |
|
condoms |
gauze bandages |
| fat,
grease, or oil |
paper towels |
and
NEVER flush
chemicals that could contaminate surface and
groundwater, such as:
| paints |
waste oils |
|
varnishes |
photographic solutions |
|
thinners |
pesticides |
The
frequency with which you will need to pump depends
primarily on these variables: 1) the size of
your tank
(see
chart below),
2) the number of people in the household
contributing to the volume of your wastewater, 3) the
volume of solids in your wastewater and 4) use
of a garbage disposal.
|
Estimated
Septic Tank Pumping Frequencies in Years |
| Tank size* |
Household Size (number of
people)
|
|
(Gals)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 500 |
5.8 |
2.6 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
| 750 |
9.1 |
4.2 |
2.6 |
1.8 |
1.3 |
| 900 |
11.0 |
5.2 |
3.3 |
2.3 |
1.7 |
| 1000 |
12.4 |
5.9 |
3.7 |
2.6 |
2.0 |
| 1250 |
15.6 |
7.5 |
4.8 |
3.4 |
2.6 |
| 1500 |
18.9 |
9.1 |
5.9 |
4.2 |
3.3 |
| 1750 |
22.1 |
10.7 |
6.9 |
5.0 |
3.9 |
| * If
you are unsure of the size of your tank, the
health department may be able to determine the
size for you. |
Let's
face it, a healthy lake increases everyone's property
values within Tallavana and a healthy septic system
will, in turn, increase your own property value.
Having your septic system repaired or replaced can be
very pricey.
