Timely Topics

Septic Systems

“Out-of-sight, Out-of-mind” goes the old saying and perhaps is never more appropriate than when it is applied to septic systems. This column has highlighted water quality issues in Rockbridge County over the years. Rockbridge, like much of the valley-region, has a number of streams with impaired water quality due to fecal bacteria. The extent to which septic systems, or the lack there-of, contribute to this problem are difficult to quantify. B ut we can state with certainty that if a septic system is not properly designed and maintained there is a high probability that insufficiently treated septic effluent can reach our water sources.

In properly functioning septic systems, the chemical and biological mechanisms naturally present in the soil profile are capable of treating septic effluent so pathogens are destroyed and the water that ultimately returns to our aquifers is safe. Maintenance of a septic system is the responsibility of the owner and our primary indicator for a problem with a septic system is water on top of the ground. If there is not water pooling near the drain field or septic distribution box, we know there is a problem. Otherwise, out-of-sight, out-ofmind.

Erin Small, Virginia Cooperative Extension agent in Goochland County has organized an excellent seminar on septic system management. The seminar is March 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and people can attend in-person in Goochland or can join the program over their computer via Zoom™. Topics will include: land use considerations near drain fields, how to promote optimal septic system functionality, and common problems with septic systems. People can pre-register online at https://tinyurl.com/ SepticBMP or they can contact Goochland Extension office via email to [email protected] or call (804) 556-5841. Zoom link access info will be emailed to registrants by March 22.