As we all try to be more environmentally conscious, we are often asked about septic tanks and the environment. Are septic tanks bad for the environment? Is there a more eco-friendly alternative? In this blog we’ll try and answer your questions on septic tanks and the environment and give you the most eco-friendly sewage treatment advice.
Are septic tanks bad for the environment?
The answer to this isn’t quite as black and white as people think. Due to changes to septic tank regulations, a lot of homeowners became concerned that septic tanks are bad for the environment. However, if they are correctly and compliantly installed, as per the regulations, this isn’t necessarily the case.
Prior to septic tank legislation changes, septic tanks could drain into an open watercourse. This had the potential to contaminate animal habitats and the environment: not good. Since legislation changed, however, septic tanks are not permitted to drain into an open watercourse. Instead, they must use a drainage field or a soakaway system. Essentially, these take the wastewater from your septic tank, and discharge it safely into the ground without causing pollution.
Therefore, providing you are compliant with the latest regulations, septic tanks are not bad for the environment and can be used safely.
What is the most environmentally friendly drainage system?
Firstly, the most important way to make sure your drainage system, whether a septic tank or sewage treatment plant, is as environmentally friendly as possible is to have it professionally installed and ensure it complies with the General Binding Rules. The General Binding Rules are essentially a set of rules that ensure the safe and compliant running of drainage systems and therefore contain information that ensures eco-friendly sewage treatment.
If you are looking to install a new sewage treatment system and are weighing up your eco-friendly options, then a sewage treatment plant is probably your best bet. Sewage treatment plants purify household waste thoroughly, emitting almost clean water. Therefore, they are considered a more environmentally friendly sewage treatment option as they emit clean water that will not contaminate water courses.
However, if you do not comply with General Binding Rules and need to upgrade your septic tank to make it compliant and better for the environment, then a septic tank conversion is also an eco-friendly option.
If you have further concerns about septic tanks and the environment and would like to make the most eco-friendly sewage treatment choice, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We can advise on and conduct sewage treatment system installations that are professional, compliant and environmentally friendly.