What is the purpose of a backup alarm in an OSSF?

The purpose of a backup alarm in an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) is to alert property owners of pump or system malfunctions. This is crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of the sewage system. The backup alarm acts as an early warning system, signaling when there may be an issue with the pump's operation or other system components. Timely detection of such malfunctions can prevent serious problems like system overflows or backups that could lead to costly repairs and environmental hazards.

For the other options, the presence of sludge in the tank is typically monitored through visual inspections or other specific measurement devices rather than a backup alarm. Monitoring soil conditions in the drain field would involve separate assessments using soil testing methods rather than an alarm-based system. Regulating water usage on the property is usually managed through manual practices or water conservation methods, not through alarms that respond to system performance.