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This is the second in a series of articles ■ by Don Audette exploring the characteristics and challenges of wastewater treatment systems
By Don Audette
Special to the Rappahannock News
Interest in onsite/decentralized wastewater systems has increased lately for a number of reasons.
First, these systems are proliferating. With suburban and rural sprawl, conventional septic systems, plus septic systems with secondary treatment, and decentralized “package” wastewater treatment systems are coming into greater use. EPA estimates they now are being used in about one-third of all new housing and commercial development. These systems currently serve 25 percent of the U.S. population. Northern Virginia has ten of thousands of these units.
Second, there is a public health issue. Septic systems are viewed as the second greatest threat to the quality of groundwater, the source of the water you drink and bathe in. Half of all septic systems are over 30 years old. Failed and failing systems expose
94.4%