A septic tank is a key component of the drainage system, It is a small-scale sewage

treatment system which is used on residential sites where it is not possible to connect to
the main sewer.
It works by separating the waste within the septic tank (separation chamber) for foul
water.
These layers are as follows:
1.Bottom Layer = sludge layer -Solid wastes sink to the bottom of the tank
2.Middle layer = liquid waste which will flow to percolation area.
3.Top Layer = Scum layer composed of less dense liquids such as cooking oil and
grease.
The top layer forms an airtight seal on the surface which allows naturally occurring
anaerobic (without oxygen) bacteria to break down the solids and reduce the size of the
sludge layer.

Septic Tank requirements

Adequate Capacity (litres) = (180p + 2000), P is the number of users.
Impermeable to liquids & Adequately ventilated
No danger to health and safety of any person Tank should be covered/buried
Access covers should be durable, resist corrosion and should be secured
Not contaminate groundwater or water supply
Adequate means of emptying
Fitted with proper pipework at the inlet and outlet

Sewage Systems
There are two types of
Sewage systems.
Separate System

Sewage Systems

Combined System

Pre-Cast Tanks

Pre-cast Septic Tank

In-situ Septic Tank

Built on Site

In-situ Septic Tank

Sealed Internally

In-situ Septic Tank

Double Compartment

In-situ Septic Tank

Pre-cast Lids

Pre-cast Septic Tank

Installation of Tank

Pre-cast Septic Tank

Positioned at appropriate level

Septic Tank cross-section

(Single Compartment)

Septic Tank cross-section

(Double Compartment)

Effluent Treatment Systems

http://molloyprecast.co
m/sewage-treatmentsystems/domestic.html#
systems

Effluent Treatment Systems

http://molloyprecast.com/sewage-treatmentsystems/domestic.html#systems

Effluent Treatment Systems

1000 Gallon (4.5 cubic metre) Septic Tank

This is a 3 stage tank and percolation

field.
Sewage enters through a T-piece, to
avoid excessive turbulence in the
primary chamber & reduces the speed of
the flow rate.

Effluent Treatment Systems

1000 Gallon (4.5 cubic metre) Septic Tank

http://www.carlowtanks.ie/septic-tanks/

Effluent Treatment Systems

1000 Gallon (4.5 cubic metre) Septic Tank

Water Level

By discharging at mid depth in the tank, the scum at

the surface is not broken, therefore, ideal conditions
for the first stage of the treatment are created.

Effluent Treatment Systems

Effluent Treatment Systems

Effluent Treatment Systems

Effluent Treatment Systems

Effluent Treatment Systems

Effluent Treatment Systems

Effluent Treatment Systems

Access Chamber

Effluent Treatment Systems

Public Sewage System

Urban Waste Water in Ireland and must be treated prior
to being released back into the environment in order to
remove contaminations that could otherwise pose a risk to
the environment or public health.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to
report on the quality of effluent discharged from urban
waste water treatment works thoughout the country.
http://www.epa.ie

Public Sewage System

Approximately 94% of Ireland's urban waste water receives
secondary (biological) treatment.
Twelve large urban areas did not meet the Urban Waste
Water Treatment Directive's requirement to provide
secondary (biological) treatment in 2014.
Sewage was discharged untreated at 45 areas in 2014

http://www.epa.ie

Public Sewage System

The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive requires
effluent discharged from all large urban areas to comply
with certain effluent quality standards.
Compliance with these standards, which are mandatory at
the 174 large urban areas in Ireland, is summarised below
for 2014.
174
Large Urban areas
143
compliant (82%)

31
non-compliant
(18%)

http://www.epa.ie

Rainwater Harvesting
By
some
estimates,
residential water usage
can be reduced by 50%
or more if we harvest
and reuse our rainwater.

Watch the video and

then provide feedback
on how the system
works