How do high groundwater levels affect On-Site Sewage Facility installation?

High groundwater levels significantly affect the installation of an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF), primarily because they can lead to system failure. When groundwater levels are elevated, the ability of the soil to absorb and treat wastewater diminishes. This occurs because the saturated soil prevents effective drainage, leading to surface water pooling and potential overflow of sewage.

A well-functioning OSSF relies on adequate soil conditions to properly filter and treat effluent before it reaches the groundwater. High groundwater can create a scenario where the effluent has little to no time to be treated adequately by the soil, which may result in untreated or partially treated waste reaching the environment. This not only poses a public health risk but also can contaminate nearby water sources, leading to further ecological and regulatory consequences.

Moreover, if the OSSF is installed in conditions of high groundwater, structural issues may arise, such as the system shifting or becoming damaged, which can subsequently lead to costly repairs or complete system failure. Thus, the impact of high groundwater levels is a critical consideration during the planning and installation of OSSFs to avoid such adverse outcomes.