An oxidation pond or lagoon operates naturally using sunlight and wind movement to
aerobically decompose sewage. The tight clay soils which prevent seepage fields from
working properly are needed for this system to help retain the water long enough for
good treatment. These ponds also discharge to the ground surface.
Advantages:
1. Least expensive system to install.
2. Maintenance consists of mowing inside and outside banks of the
pond.
Disadvantages:
1. Much larger area needed for construction; therefore would not be
used in urban area.
2. Creates an attractive nuisance for children or pets.
DO...
DON'T...
aerobically decompose sewage. The tight clay soils which prevent seepage fields from
working properly are needed for this system to help retain the water long enough for
good treatment. These ponds also discharge to the ground surface.
Advantages:
1. Least expensive system to install.
2. Maintenance consists of mowing inside and outside banks of the
pond.
Disadvantages:
1. Much larger area needed for construction; therefore would not be
used in urban area.
2. Creates an attractive nuisance for children or pets.
DO...
- Learn the location of your septic tank and waste pond. Keep a sketch of it handy
with your maintenance record for service visits. - have your septic system inspected annually and pumped out regularly by a
licensed contractor. - call a professional whenever you experience problems with your system, or if
there are any signs of system failure. - keep a detailed record of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and
other maintenance activities. - conserve water to avoid overloading the system. Be sure to repair any leaky
faucets or toilets. - divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump
pumps, away from the septic system.
DON'T...
- allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system.
- plant anything over or near the drainfield except grass. Roots from nearby trees
or shrubs may clog and damage the drain lines. - go down into a septic tank. Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment
processes in septic tanks and can kill in minutes. Extreme care should be taken
when inspecting a septic tank, even when just looking in. - allow tree limbs to shade the waste pond. It is very important for sunlight to reach
the surface of the pond. Sunlight is what treats the waste; if there is no sunlight,
then there will be no treatment and untreated sewage would be discharged onto
the ground surface. - allow vegetation to grow to or above the water surface of the waste pond.
- allow weeds and other tall vegetation to grow on the sloped areas around the
pond. This could prevent sunlight from reaching the water surface and
maintained. - make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health
department permit. Use professional licensed septic contractors when needed. - use septic tank additives. These products usually do not help and some may
even be harmful to your system. - use your toilet as a trash can or poison your septic system by pouring harmful
chemicals and cleansers down the drain.
Do not flush the following items! These items can quickly fill your unit
with solids that cannot be treated, and will require that you contact a licensed contractor
to pump the system more frequently.
with solids that cannot be treated, and will require that you contact a licensed contractor
to pump the system more frequently.
- coffee grinds
- dental floss
- disposable diapers
- kitty litter
- sanitary napkins
- tampons cigarette butts
- condoms
- fat, grease or oil
- paper towels
Hazardous chemicals, such as:
- paints
- varnishes
- thinners
- waste oils
- photographic solutions
- pesticides
| Be sure to exercise appropriate caution when inspecting a septic tank. Never allow anyone to inspect a tank alone or go down into a septic tank. Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes in septic tanks and can kill in minutes - even just looking in the tank can be dangerous. |
| Waste Stablization Pond (Lagoon): DOs and DON'Ts |
