Best
wastewater
management
practices
IDB Invest
3.1. Two best wastewater management practices (BWMP): BWMP promote the longevity and efficiency of septic tanks and disposal fields while minimizing the environmental impact of wastewater disposal.
A. Preventive actions
B. Operative actions
BWMP - BWMP -
Pollution
Wastewater
prevention treatment
2
A. Pollution prevention
practices:
In my house:
Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste.
Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Whether you are at the kitchen sink, bathtub, or utility sink.
- Control water use—use low-water-use appliances and fixtures to reduce the volume of water entering the septic system.
- Fix any leaks promptly to prevent unnecessary strain on the system.
- Don’t overload the system—spread water usage throughout the day and week.
- Minimize use of harsh cleaners, bleach, antibacterial soaps and detergents.
- Toilets aren’t trash cans! Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, diapers, and cooking grease or oil down the drain, as they can disrupt the biological processes in the tank.• Do not dispose of paints, medications, or chemicals through your sanitaries.
- Dispose of household hazardous waste through appropriate channels to prevent contamination.
- Do not use septic tank additives or cleaners; biological processes inside the tank are efficient enough to ensure water treatment.
- Provide clear guidelines to household members about proper waste disposal practices and the importance of maintaining the septic system.
- New homes should pumped within 12 to 18 months of occupancy to
- Never allow a tank to be cleaned through the inspection pipe. Scum
tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. These are the
major factors that influence how often to pump your septic system:
establish a baseline for the pumper.
can plug the baffle, or baffles can be knocked off. Tanks should only be cleaned through the access or manhole. ✔Household size ✔Total wastewater generated ✔Volume of solids in wastewater ✔Septic tank size
B. 1. Wastewater treatment
practices:
For septic tanks:
- The average household septic system should be inspected at least
every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic
- Avoid using antibacterial detergents and chlorine-based products
function properly when treating domestic wastewater.
such as Clorox. Ensure that laundry detergents are not antibacterial and, ideally,
choose biodegradable options
.
- Commercially available microbiological and enzyme additives are
promoted to reduce sludge and scum accumulation in septic tanks.
However, these additives are not necessary for a septic system to
B. 1. Wastewater treatment
practices:
For septic tanks:
- Never use additives. The cleaners are harmful to your system, often
- Do not ignore alarms-troubleshoot the problem.
- Never enter the septic tank.
- When a septic tank is cleaned, a portion of the sludge should be left to causing solids to leave the tank and enter the disposal field. They do not replace good management practices. Starters and feeders are not effective.
serve as an inoculum for the new bacteria population. If the tank is
- Be sure baffles, effluent screens, pumps and other components are inspected when the tank is pumped.
- An effluent screen will prevent most solids from reaching the disposal field. Install and clean according to manufacturer recommendations.
cleaned 100%, bad odors can be generated.
B. 2. Wastewater treatment
practices:
For disposal fields:
- Maintain vegetative cover (turf grass, native grasses, flowers).
- Inspect for cracked, missing inspection riser covers annually. • Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage roots near the septic system, as roots can damage pipes and the tank.
systems away from your drainfield area. Excess water slows down or stops the wastewater treatment process.
Mow, but do not fertilize, burn or over-water the disposal field. • Prevent heavy machinery and vehicles from driving over the disposal field to avoid soil compaction, which can impede water absorption.
- Plan landscaping to avoid planting trees or shrubs with deep
- Do not grow vegetables or situate play areas above soil
treatment area.