Alternative Systems

Due to the possibility of high groundwater, poor soil, shallow soil over bedrock or if the disposal field is located at a distance or uphill from the house not all sites are suitable for conventional systems.  Approximately two-thirds of the U.S. is estimated to be unsuitable for the installation of conventional septic systems.   In such cases, successful wastewater treatment and disposal is possible with a variety of alternative systems.

As with the conventional systems, the objective of the alternative systems is to provide on-site treatment and disposal of wastewater with no adverse impacts on the environment or public health.  Because alternative systems are used on sites with marginal soil conditions or other problems the margin of safety is limited, and any failure is likely to be difficult to correct.  Due to this, alternative systems should be based on established design criteria and demonstrated success under similar site and soil conditions.  To ensure a properly functioning system it is essential that the system be properly constructed, operated and maintained.