Subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS), typically referred to as septic systems, are soil-based treatment systems used by homes and businesses not connected to municipal waste systems. Septic systems treat and dispose of wastewater generated on-site. Residential wastewater consists of sewage from showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets. This sewage is full of bacteria, viruses, parasites, nutrients, and some chemicals. Correctly treating and disposing of wastewater is critical to protecting public health and the environment. Millions of people rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. Poorly built or ill-functioning septic systems could not only contaminate the local groundwater, but also spread to other nearby water sources. When constructed and maintained properly, septic systems keep groundwater, lakes, and rivers safe and clean, by providing highly effective sewage treatment solutions.

Effluent filters are devices affixed to outlets of your septic tank. It's the primary screen designed to reduce the volume of solids passing out of the tank to your leachfield. Unfiltered effluent from a septic tank contain many fine particles of organic materials and a few inorganics such as fine silica grit floating around.Without a filter these particles are allowed to pass to the leachfield. There they can settle into the voids in the soil, reducing your effluent drainage capacity.Over time many of these organic particles break down into the basic components of water, carbon dioxide, and other simpler compounds when provided enough oxygen. Alternatively if there is not enough oxygen, this organic matter deposited on the soil interface because it can't breakdown. The soil voids clog resulting in ponding of the effluent in the leachfield.