What type of wastewater is primarily managed by septic systems?

Septic systems are designed primarily to manage household and commercial wastewater, which includes sewage from toilets and wastewater from sinks, showers, and other household appliances. This type of wastewater typically contains organic matter, nutrients, and pathogens that need to be treated before being released into the environment.

Household and commercial wastewater is usually directed to the septic tank, where solids settle to the bottom, forming sludge, and lighter materials float to the top, creating scum. The clarified liquid effluent is then dispersed into a drain field for further treatment through soil filtration.

In contrast, stormwater runoff consists of rainwater that collects pollutants as it flows over various surfaces and is typically managed through drainage systems rather than septic systems. Residential greywater refers only to wastewater generated from non-toilet sources, which can sometimes be reused in irrigation but is not the primary function of a traditional septic system. Lastly, industrial chemical waste is not suitable for treatment with septic systems, as it often contains hazardous substances that require specialized treatment processes. This distinction underscores the importance of understanding that septic systems are aimed at effective treatment of typical household and commercial waste, thus ensuring environmental safety and public health.