Physical and Cultural Influences on the Performance of Septic Systems in Douglas County, Kansas

• Published in: Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 1999-10, Vol.102 (3/4), p.123-137
• Main Authors: Banning, John W., Sorenson, Curtis J., Ziesenis, Richard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alluvial soils; Clay soils; Homes; Septic systems; Soil classification; Soil infiltration; Soil pollution; Soil science; Soil water; Water consumption
• ISSN: 0022-8443; 1938-5420
• DOI: 10.2307/3627874

One-hundred-three household septic systems were examined to determine the frequency of their failure on soils of varying permeability in Douglas County, Kansas during 1998. The data acquired by questionnaire and from public records included statistics on failed systems, ratings for soil permeability, length of lateral lines per septic system, gallons of water used in winter months, and the number of residents per household. A null hypothesis of no difference in failure rates on soils of differing permeability was accepted. However, the results suggested a trend may exist for failure rate according to soil permeability classes (moderate, slow, and very slow) if systems could be monitored more effectively and if sample size were increased. Additional findings suggest that lateral lines installed in soil permeability classes slow and very slow should be at least 1000 feet in length. Also, water usage should be monitored closely and reduced during cold, wet periods when filter field soils are saturated. If homeowners would follow these few simple suggestions and also perform periodic inspection and maintenance on their septic system, failure rates could be reduced dramatically.