Decaying Septic Systems Pose Serious Health Threat

Advisory Report - August 2000

Decaying Septic Systems Pose Serious Health Threat
Nearly 70 percent of the septic systems in some Indiana counties have decayed to the point of failure, posing a serious health concern to thousands of residents.  Septic system decay is a problem not unique to Indiana, but is commonly encountered in many regions throughout the United States.  

As septic systems age, they can pose many health hazards.  According to the Associated Press (July 17, 2000), Glenn Pratt, a former state and federal environmental regulator, stated, "Compared to how many people get ill from combined sewers...a lot more people get ill from septic system problems."  Some hazards include the following:

• Bacteria can be tracked into homes.  
• Wells can become contaminated.  
• Disease-carrying insects can breed in ditches polluted with sewage.

Indiana has a large number of septic tanks and, strangely enough, is poorly suited for them.  A Purdue University study rated 80 percent of the state's soil unfit for conventional septic systems.  The soil has too much sand or clay, and water tables are high, which means that during heavy rains, sewage from failing septic equipment can be pushed up through the ground.

The proper maintenance of a septic system could save you many headaches, not to mention money.  If not properly maintained, an on-site septic system could cost up to $20,000 to repair or replace.  Follow these tips to keep your system running smoothly.