How do Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities (OSWTFs) work?
Most OSWTFs include a septic tank, which digests organic matter and separates floatable matter, such as grease and oil, and solids that settle in the tank, from the wastewater. Soil-based systems discharge septic tank effluent (liquids) into a series of perforated pipes or chambers buried in a disposal field or pit designed to slowly release effluent into the soil.

Alternative systems may use pumps or gravity to trickle septic tank effluent through sand, organic matter (e.g. peat, sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants, such as disease-causing pathogens, nitrogen, phosphorous, and other contaminants. Some alternative systems are designed to evaporate wastewater or disinfect it prior to discharging it into the soil.

Show All Answers

1. How do Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities (OSWTFs) work?
2. Why do Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities fail?
3. What items should not be put down the drain?
4. Do Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities (OSWTFs) cause health or water quality problems?
5. Can I apply for a permit to drill a well at the same time I apply for the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities (OSWTF) permit?
6. My neighbor’s OSWTF is located on my property. What do I do?
7. What is an alternative system?
8. What are the different types of alternative systems allowed in Maricopa County?
9. Do I have to hire an engineer to design my system and draft my plans?
10. Can I make changes after I have submitted the NOID packet?
11. Can I make changes to an approved plan?
12. Can I request a partial construction inspection?
13. What type of rock should I use in the trenches, beds, or pits?
14. What are the requirements for installing a septic tank?
15. What are the requirements for installing the distribution box?
16. What are the requirements for installing the disposal field?
17. My system is failing. What do I do?
18. Can I use the existing septic system for my new house?
19. When can you release my building permit?