Septic tank irrigation systems

How does septic tank irrigation work?

When municipal wastewater treatment isn’t available, on-site septic systems are often installed on a property to manage the sewage and septic waste generated by the facility. These septic systems treat septic waste to a certain degree, removing the bulk of organic solids from the wastewater, which prepares it for secondary treatment. Once the effluent has undergone secondary treatment, it is then suitable for irrigation use. Septic tank irrigation systems are more of a term used to describe the combination of a septic system that can treat sewage to the secondary standard, like an aerated wastewater treatment system, and a sub-surface irrigation system.

Aerated wastewater treatment systems

Aerated wastewater treatment systems (AWTS) are added to a general septic system to treat the waste to the secondary standard. This system includes a second chamber which is connected to the separation chamber of a septic tank.

Air is filtered into the secondary chamber through aeration pumps, exposing the effluent to an increased amount of oxygen. Aerobic bacteria, which thrive in oxygen, break down any leftover organic matter in the effluent. Once the wastewater has been through this secondary treatment, it is then ready for irrigation.

Sub-surface systems

The AWTS is connected to a sub-surface system, which allows the secondary treated effluent to be distributed to the desired area. A sub-surface system is composed of multiple polyethylene drip lines, which cover a targeted area.

These pipes are buried underground so that the effluent is delivered to a biologically active layer of soil, rather than the surface layer above ground. This allows for the grass to be benefitted from the effluent without any risks of the effluent being moved from wind or runoff. Dispersing the wastewater underground also prevents any humans or animals from becoming ill from effluent exposure.

The pipes are spaced evenly apart to ensure that the secondary treated effluent is distributed evenly and slowly, to avoid any runoff or puddles formed as a result of the treated wastewater.

Your local septic tank specialists

Whether you are looking to have an AWTS installed or your existing septic tank connected to a sub-system, you need Express Wastewater Solutions' professional septic tank service. Our team has years of experience with servicing a wide range of septic system types all across Queensland, and are happy to help your family. Call us today on 1300 722 517 or complete our septic tank booking request form.