How Septic Systems Work

Cass County
Septic Information
and
Online Permitting Pages

How Septic Systems Work

Wastewater from homes is a by-product of most of the water-using processes carried on in the home. An average of 75 to 150 gallons of wastewater is produced per person per day. The purpose of on-site sewage systems is to dispose of these wastes and to treat the water so it will be safe when it reaches drinking water supplies or recreational waters. The septic system consists of more than just the septic tank itself. In fact, the largest part of the treatment of the wastewater actually takes place in the soil beneath the drainfield.

The Septic Tank explains how the tank functions.

   The Soil how the soil purifies the wastewater.

   The Trench System how the trench system works

   The Mound System how the mound works

The Pressure Bed System how it works