VT Septics Program

What are septic systems?

It is estimated that 25% of the population of the USA use a septic system to dispose of domestic wastewater. Septic systems combine soil science, microbiology, and engineering to provide a way to dispose of household waste for those not connected to municipal sewage systems. Septic systems commonly consist of a septic tank and a drainfield. The septic tank allows solids in wastewater to settle out, and the drainfield is used to treat wastewater as it passes through the soil.

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What you need to know

Proper maintenance of septic systems is very important. Poor maintenance can lead to insufficient treatment of wastewater before it reaches groundwater. This can have both environmental impacts and impacts to human health. Protecting your drainfield and understanding what should and shouldn’t go down your drain are two key ways of maintaining your septic system.

Related links

• Septic System Best Management Practices (PDF)
• What Happens If My Septic System Fails? (PDF)
• What to Expect When Getting Your Septic Tank Pumped (PDF)
• Septic Systems: What to Ask When Buying a House (PDF)
• What to Know About Septic Systems When Building a House (PDF)
• On-Site Sewage Treatment Alternatives (PDF)
• Best Septic System Management During the Covid-19 Pandemic (PDF)