What is effluent?

Effluent refers specifically to the wastewater that has been treated and discharged from a septic tank or another type of treatment system. In the context of on-site sewage facilities, effluent is the liquid portion that results from the treatment process, which ideally meets certain standards for quality before being released into the environment or absorbed into the soil.

In the case of septic systems, the effluent undergoes a biological process within the tank where bacteria break down organic matter. After this treatment, the liquid effluent can be safely discharged into a drainage field or other disposal area, provided it meets environmental regulations. This distinction is important as it highlights both the treatment aspect and that effluent is not the same as untreated wastewater or byproducts, such as solids collected within the septic tank.