When you flush a toilet or do a load of laundry, the wastewater must go somewhere. If your home is not connected to a public sewer, it probably runs to a septic system located somewhere on your property. Many of those traditional septic systems are good at cleaning up some of the waste, but they’re not always effective at removing a lot of nitrogen.
Putting too much nitrogen into rivers, streams, and other waterways can harm the environment, including harming fish and causing algae blooms that make water unhealthy. Enter nitrogen-reducing septic systems. They are, in theory, supposed to remove nitrogen more effectively, but as with most things, there are positives and negatives to them.
The Environmental Wins: Why Cut Nitrogen?
The big plus of nitrogen-reducing septic systems is that they keep nitrogen out of the environment. When that wastewater percolates into the ground and then seeps into rivers, lakes, and the ocean, it can function like fertilizer, leading to excessive algae growth. These algae blooms can shade other aquatic plants, blocking sunlight. When the algae die and decompose, they consume oxygen. This oxygen deprivation can result in “dead zones” where fish and other aquatic life cannot survive.
Thus, by removing as much nitrogen as possible, these advanced septic systems help protect important ecosystems and keep our water cleaner and safer for everyone. For instance, in regions with sensitive waterways, such as the Chesapeake Bay, there is a significant push to encourage homeowners to use nitrogen-reducing systems to help clean up the polluted water body.
Food for Thought: The Cons and Costs
There are some cons to nitrogen-reducing septic systems, although the environmental pros are obvious. These systems typically have more complicated layouts and more parts than conventional septic systems, and they can cost more to install. For a homeowner living on a very tight budget, this additional cost can be a concern. Additionally, some nitrogen-reducing systems are more maintenance-intensive. They may include special tanks, pumps, filters, or other equipment that need to be checked regularly and serviced to ensure everything is in good working order.
Ongoing maintenance may increase the total cost of the system for homeowners. Additionally, the efficiency of some nitrogen-removal techniques might be influenced by factors such as the type of soil in your yard and the volume of wastewater that your household generates. This indicates that a system in one location may not necessarily perform well in another.
A plumber can help you determine which type of septic system is right for your home as well as your budget. Reach out to Tampa Septic Company to see if a nitrogen-reduction septic system is right for your Tampa, FL home.
