- Faulty septic systems can harm nature and pollute our waters
Surface discharging systems are prevalent in some parts of Illinois, particularly rural areas with soils that are unsuitable for traditional subsurface septic systems. There are around 140,000 active systems in the state, with nearly 5,000 more installed annually.
Surface discharging septic systems that discharge treated wastewater directly to the ground’s surface, a collection tile, or a body of water, have not been regulated by IEPA, contrary to requirements of the Clean Water Act.
Studies have shown that these systems are often not operated properly, resulting in a failure rate of between 20 and 60%.
Failing systems discharge minimally-treated or untreated sewage, along with disease causing organisms it may contain, directly to the ground surface or to a body of water.
Failing systems discharge minimally-treated or untreated sewage, along with disease causing organisms it may contain, directly to the ground surface or to a body of water.
Results of monitoring from larger surface discharging systems that are regulated by IEPA show that they frequently do not meet permit effluent limits, highlighting the need for regulation of this type of system.