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Septic Tanks

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems are regulated by the Florida Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection under Chapter 64E-6 of the Florida Administrative Code.

A septic tank system consists of a large, watertight tank that receives wastewater from the home plumbing system. The tank is followed by an underground drain field consisting of a network of perforated pipe or chambers for distributing partially treated water from the septic tank to the soil for final treatment and disposal.

Septic tanks contain bacteria that grow best in oxygen-poor conditions. Bacteria that require oxygen thrive in the drain field and complete the treatment process begun in the septic tank. If the septic tank is working well, the wastewater which flows out of the tank is relatively clear, although it still has an odor and may carry disease organisms. It should flow only into the drain field. NEVER ONTO THE GROUND SURFACE OR INTO FLORIDA WATERS!!!

Contaminants can travel long distances in some soils. Therefore, drinking water wells should be located at least 75 feet from any part of a septic tank system. With certain exceptions, septic tanks and drain fields must be located at least 75 feet away from the high water line of ponds, rivers and lakes. Also, the drain field should be located so that it will not be saturated by surface water drainage or runoff from roof gutters.

Septic tank systems fail when the drain field does not dispose of sewage as rapidly as it is being added to the system. Thus, improvements that reduce the amount of incoming water or improve the quality of wastewater passing through the system will increase the system's longevity.