When it comes to waste from a septic tank, there are two paths. The treated effluent water is discharged into the ground through a drainage field. This is the water at the top of the tank. The solid waste, or sludge, remains in the tank and needs to be emptied by a de-sludging company. They will take it to a municipal treatment works where it is further treated. Most wastewater that is connected to the sewage network follows this route. However, it’s important to note that recent changes to regulations prohibit septic tank discharge into water courses. In such cases, options include implementing a drainage field for ground discharge or upgrading to a wastewater treatment plant, which still complies with regulations and allows discharge to water courses with improved effluent quality.
