Decentralized Wastewater Systems

The Basics of Decentralized Systems
Innovative Wastewater Solutions, installed and maintained by Newnan Utilities,
employs a refined watertight underground tank that is fitted with a pump and
monitoring telemetry at each home or business. Solids collect in the tank, and the
wastewater is pumped through a small diameter pipe to the on-site treatment facility.
At the treatment site, the water is filtered and cleaned by natural microbial activity.
It can then be dispersed into an underground drip field or used for irrigation of green space.

Preventative Maintenance For Homes With
Onsite Wastewater Collection And Treatment Systems

There are a number of Do's and Don'ts that will help ensure a long life and minimal maintenance for your system. As a general rule, nothing should be disposed into any wastewater system that hasn't first been ingested, other than toilet tissue, mild detergents and wash water. Here are some additional guidelines:

DON'T flush dangerous and damaging substances into your wastewater treatment system.
Please refer to the Substitutes for Household Hazardous Waste below.
Specifically, do not flush ...

Pharmaceuticals
Excessive amounts of bath or body oils
Water softener backwash
Flammable or toxic products
Household cleaners, especially floor wax and rug cleaners
Chlorine bleach, chlorides, and pool or spa products
Pesticides, herbicides, or agricultural chemicals or fertilizers

DON'T use special additives that are touted to enhance the performance of your tank or system. Additives can cause major damage to your drainfield and other areas in the collection system. The natural microorganisms that grow in your system generate their own enzymes that are sufficient for breaking down and digesting nutrients in the wastewater.

DON'T leave interior faucets on to protect water lines during cold spells. A running faucet can easily increase your wastewater flow by 1,000 to 3,000 gallons per day and hydraulically overload your system. Instead, properly insulate or heat your faucets and plumbing.

DON'T use excessive amounts of water. Using 50 gallons per person per day is typical. If your household does not practice any of the Water Conserving Tips below, you may be using too much water.

DON'T ignore leaky plumbing fixtures; repair them. A leaky toilet can waste up to 2,000 gallons of water in a single day. That's 10-20 times more water than a household's typical daily usage. Leaky plumbing fixtures increase your water bill, waste natural
resources, and overload your system.

DO use your trash can to dispose of substances that cause maintenance problems and/or increase the need for septage pumping. Dispose of the following with your trash:

Egg shells, cantaloupe seeds, gum, coffee grounds, tea bags, chewing tobacco, cigarette butts
Paper towels, newspapers, sanitary napkins, diapers, kitty litter, candy wrappers
Cooking grease
Rags, large amounts of hair

DO collect grease in a container and dispose with your trash. Avoid using garbage disposals excessively; compost scraps or dispose with your trash. Food byproducts accelerate the need for septage pumping and increase maintenance.

DO conserve water:

Take shorter showers or baths with a partially filled tub. Be cautious about excessive use of large soaking tubs.
Don't let water run unnecessarily while brushing teeth or washing hands, food, dishes, etc.
Wash dishes and clothes when you have a full load.
When possible, avoid doing several loads in one day.
Use water saving devices on faucets and showerheads.
When replacing old toilets, buy low-flush models.

DO keep lint out of your wastewater treatment system by cleaning the lint filters on your washing machine and dryer before every load. Installing a supplemental lint filter on your washing machine would be a good precautionary measure. (This normally takes just a few minutes. Lint and other such materials can make an extreme difference in the frequency and cost of pumping out your primary treatment tank.)

DO use substitutes for household hazardous waste.
Replace the following hazardous products with products that are less environmentally harmful. The hazardous cleaners are listed below, followed by the suggested substitute.

Ammonia-based cleaners: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge. For windows, use a solution of 2 tbs. white vinegar to 1 qt. water. Place the mixture into a spray bottle.

Disinfectants: Use borax: 112 cup in a gallon of water; deodorizes also.

Drain decloggers: Use a plunger or metal snake, or remove and clean trap.

Scouring cleaners & powders: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge or add 4 tbs. baking soda to 1 qt. warm water. Or use Bon Ami; it's cheaper and won't scratch.

Carpet/upholstery cleaners: Sprinkle dry cornstarch or baking soda on, then vacuum. For tougher stains, blot with white vinegar in soapy water.

Toilet cleaners: Sprinkle on baking soda or Bon Ami, then scrub with a toilet brush.

Furniture/floor polishes: To clean, use oil soap and warm water. Dry with soft cloth. Polish with 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts oil (any kind), or use natural products with lemon oil or beeswax in mineral oil.

Metal cleaners: Brass and copper: scrub with a used half of lemon dipped in salt. Stainless steel: use scouring pad and soapy water. Silver: rub gently with toothpaste and soft wet cloth.

Oven cleaners: Quickly sprinkle salt on drips, then scrub. Use baking soda and scouring pads on older spills.

Laundry detergents: Choose a liquid detergent (not a powder) without chlorine or phosphates. Or use soap flakes with 1/3 cup of washing soda. (Before switching, wash clothes in pure washing soda to remove residues.)

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