What is the difference between a sewer system and a septic system?
A sewer system, such as what is planned for this area, collects and transports the waste to a central treatment plant where it is treated before the effluent is returned to the groundwater. Waste is highly treated, solids are removed, and flow is aerated and chlorinated, removing most organic matter before it is pumped to sand filter beds where it percolates into the ground, well below Massachusetts and Federal drinking water standards. Septic systems or on-site disposal systems are self contained systems that treat wastewater from individual residential properties. These systems include a septic tank that removes solids and grease from the flow. The flow then passes through a distribution box to a leaching facility where the effluent percolates into the ground. The big difference between the two systems is that the septic system removes solids but relies on the soil in the ground to breakdown organic matter before it reaches the ground water. Septic systems are ineffective in removing
