What effect can seasonal flooding have on septic systems?

Seasonal flooding can severely impact the functionality and effectiveness of septic systems because it creates saturated soil conditions. When the soil is overly saturated with water, it loses its ability to effectively absorb and filter the effluent from a septic system. This can lead to a number of issues, including backup of wastewater into the home or surface water and contamination of nearby water sources due to overflow or failure of the system.

In these scenarios, the primary function of the septic system—treating and dispersing waste—becomes compromised, often resulting in system failure. Thus, understanding the effects of seasonal flooding is crucial for septic system owners to ensure proper maintenance and operation under changing environmental conditions.