Septic system could reduce nitrates

Although it hasn't been definitely confirmed about what puts more nitrates into Levy County water, septic systems or fertilizers, experts told the county commission last week ways to reduce contaminants by using a new septic system.

Dr. Mark Hooks of the Florida Department of Health spoke at length on advanced septic tank systems, or performance-based systems, that actually remove more nitogen, a byproduct of human waste, before the water from the tank hits the drainfield and eventually the groundwater.

In some advanced systems, oxygen is introduced into the solids and creates more bacteria, thereby, breaking the waste down. Gray water is sent to the drainfield where wastewater flows through tubes.

With traditional septic systems, there are usually four layers in a septic tank. In descending order, they are: household waste water, scum, wastewater and sludge. It is the nitrates from the sludge that seep into the groundwater. Because of Florida's intricately woven system of caves and springs, that groundwater ultimately finds its way into the state's springs.

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