Both septic and sewer systems play a vital role in keeping our communities and environment clean and healthy. Is one superior to the other? Acme explores this question.
Septic systems play a crucial role in the function of homes and businesses, but they must be well-maintained with services such as routine pump-outs, cleaning, and inspections. Failing to properly maintain your septic system can have lasting consequences, including negative impacts to wildlife populations and contamination of local and public water sources. The issue of wastewater treatment has raised some controversy for several Floridian counties over the past year. Let’s take a closer look at the “septic or sewer” discussion and how it can help homeowners make the best decisions for their septic care routines.
Algal Blooms And How They Impact The Environment
If you’ve ever taken a biology class, you likely remember covering material discussing algal blooms and their impact on the environment. In case you need a refresher, algal blooms occur when high levels of nutrients are present in water sources. These high levels of nutrients then lead to harmful overgrowth of algaes that impact the water quality and aquatic wildlife.
This problem is significant when it comes to the question of whether or not septic or sewer is more beneficial to the environment. In Charlotte County, Florida, septic tanks have been named as one of the leading sources of water contamination and algal blooms.
Propositions For Dealing With Contaminated Water Sources
In response to growing concerns over aquatic ecosystems and contamination, several other Florida counties have started taking steps in an attempt to remedy the problem. Part of the solution is to install municipal sewer networks that promise to have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional septic tanks.
Sounds like a win-win situation, right? The entire community gets to take advantage of a brand-new sewer system and the environment is healthier as a result. Unfortunately, the topic of “septic or sewer” has generated controversy due to its overall cost and who is responsible to cover it. According to county officials, the residents of these Floridian communities, not the county itself, are the ones who will be footing the bill. Not only will the residents be expected to pay for these installations themselves, but the monthly cost falls anywhere from $40-575 spread out over 20-30 years.
Comparison Of Septic Vs. Sewer Systems
To better understand the conflict between the desires of Florida residents and the requests being made by their local government, it helps to know more about the key differences between septic and municipal sewer systems. Let’s take a look at how the benefits of each compare:
Septic Systems
Property control – Septic systems are installed by home and business owners on an individual basis. If you have a septic system, it is not connected to the much larger network that municipal sewer systems are linked to. This allows you to manage problems, maintenance, upgrades, and more, as you or your local septic company see fit.
Lower overall cost – The bulk of the investment you make with a septic system takes place when you have one installed. Following that, maintenance and periodic repair fees are typically your only financial responsibility. When your home is linked to a sewer system, you pay for monthly utility bills for wastewater usage, contributing to higher overall cost.
Independence – Some rural areas may not have access to municipal sewer services that would be necessary if your home was linked to a sewer line. The level of independence that septic tanks allow may be the only option for some locations.
Municipal Sewer Systems
Convenience – Because their care is primarily handled by your county, municipal sewer systems require little to no maintenance on the part of the home or business owner. Any needed repairs are also handled by the county or local utility companies.
No space requirements – Septic systems require appropriate space, soil conditions, and distance from water sources in order to gain installation approval. Municipal sewer systems do not have space requirements for those who use them.
Higher property value – Homes that are connected to sewer systems can potentially have a higher property value. This is because sewer systems are considered more convenient and may carry fewer risks than septic systems do.
How To Make The Most Of Septic Ownership
Even though the downsides of septic systems are behind the push for homeowners to switch to municipal sewer systems, those who own septic systems can still make choices that reduce the potentially negative impact of septic systems on the environment. Regular maintenance performed by a professional septic service is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal. Here are a few more tips that will keep your septic system healthy and reduce its impact on the environment:
- Contact Acme to replace failing or damaged parts promptly.
- Install septic risers to simplify maintenance appointments.
- Plant trees and shrubs according to septic-safe guidelines.
- Don’t flush anything down the toilet besides human waste and toilet paper.
It is recommended that septic tanks are serviced at least once every 3-5 years. Life can get busy, so if you need some help remembering when you’re due for your next appointment, sign up for our automated appointment reminders! We will have you scheduled in no time.
Love Your Environment And Your Septic Tank With Acme
Even if your community is not among those that are being incentivized to switch to a municipal sewer network, the controversy that has sparked as a result of this topic can inspire homeowners to schedule regular service, inspection, and cleaning appointments for their septic systems.
Contact us today for any of your septic system maintenance needs.