In conventional on-site wastewater treatment, one complete system is constructed for each residence-usually a septic tank. Shared wastewater treatment systems and shared septic systems use a single drain field for more than one house. Shared systems have a centrally located drainage area that receives wastewater effluent from more than one septic tank, or from a single on-site wastewater treatment system that connects to several houses in a development. The concept of either system is basically the same; wastewater from multiple sources is consolidated and treated before discharging it to a centrally located drainage area.
Shared wastewater systems are appropriate for environmentally sensitive sites, narrow or oddly shaped lots, where there is an abundance of rock, clay or poorly drained soil, or where a group of seasonal homes will be converted to full time residences. In other words, houses can be built on land with non-permeable soil, such as rock and clay, and the drain field for the shared wastewater system(s) can be located on land that has permeable soil. These systems are applicable for projects ranging from a group of two homes to entire communities.
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When compared to individual onsite wastewater treatment, shared treatment systems typically cost less per home.
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Shared wastewater treatment systems can be used where the soil or other environmental conditions would otherwise prevent the use of onsite wastewater treatment. They can also be a useful tool for creating open space in a clustered development.
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Not Applicable
Not Applicable
State or local codes may not recognize the practice of shared wastewater treatment systems. However, many state and local jurisdictions have provisions that allow for alternative wastewater treatment methods. When specifying unconventional site designs and wastewater treatment systems, builders and developers should work closely with local regulators to work through the design and approval process.
Not Applicable
Systems must be custom designed and engineered. Civil / Environmental Engineering firms specializing in wastewater treatment usually specify the types of products and equipment used to construct these systems. The possibility also exists for retrofitting a shared system to existing septic system components.
Not Applicable
Shared wastewater treatment systems are a space-saving solution to wastewater treatment that is appropriate for sites with insufficient permeable soil or other geological or environmental limitations. Shared systems can also be used to retrofit several or more failed individual systems.
The use of shared wastewater systems allows for the consolidation of development and land resources. Less excavation may be required than for multiple independent septic systems. Since the bulk of the wastewater treatment system is confined to one area, residential construction in new subdivisions can be consolidated, providing more open area and common space. A reduction in installed cost can be realized with shared systems compared to septic systems that are installed individually.
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