Congratulations on buying your acreage, your own piece of paradise nestled in the Alberta foothills! There's truly nothing quite like the serene beauty and tranquility of country living. However, while your friendly neighborhood cows may require little of your attention, the management of your wastewater is a different story. Welcome to the often-overlooked yet crucial world of septic systems, where understanding the options available can save you headaches down the road.
If you’re not quite sure what a septic system is, don’t worry. We're here to break it all down. Let's delve into the various types of septic systems you might encounter on your Alberta acreage, how each one operates, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the right fit for your land.
The Classic: Conventional Septic System
How it works: In a conventional septic system, when you flush the toilet, wastewater travels through a series of pipes into a large, underground septic tank. Here, solids sink to the bottom, creating sludge, while lighter materials rise to the top, forming scum.
Septic Tanks can be constructed of concrete, plastic or fiberglass and new tanks for a home are usually between 1500-2000 gallons.
The effluent, the liquid byproduct, occupies the middle layer and then is pumped through perforated pipes laid out in a drain field
A field is more traditional, and the pipes are underground and hard to identify over time. You should never drive or park heavy equipment or vehicles over the field as it can pack the soil and break the pipes.
The pumped effluent is naturally filtered as it percolates through the soil, where beneficial microorganisms break down harmful pathogens, ultimately leading to the clean water that seeps back into the groundwater.
Pros:
- Simplicity: These systems are straightforward, low-tech solutions that have stood the test of time.
- Cost-Effective: Generally, installation and maintenance costs are lower compared to other systems.
- Reliability: When installed in suitable soil conditions, conventional systems are highly reliable.
- Minimal Parts: With fewer moving parts, there is less likelihood of mechanical failure.
- Can last 40 or 50 years on average
Cons:
- Space Requirement: A significant amount of land is needed for the drain field to function properly.
- Soil Limitations: These systems are not ideal for properties with high water tables or poor soil drainage, which can lead to failures.
- Is pumped out every two or three years to remove sludge
Best for: Larger plots with well-draining soil and minimal bedrock interference.
The Upgrade: Chamber System
How it works: Similar to the conventional septic system, a chamber system uses plastic dome-shaped chambers instead of gravel-filled trenches for the effluent to flow. These chambers allow for a larger air contact surface, promoting enhanced microbial treatment of the wastewater as it trickles down into the soil.
Pros:
- Less Digging: The need for gravel is reduced, simplifying excavation.
- Compact Design: Easier to install and requiring less space than traditional systems.
- Suitable for Moderate Soil Conditions: Performs well where conventional systems might not be ideal.
Cons:
- Soil Quality: Still requires good drainage; not a catch-all solution.
- Installation Costs: The components can be slightly more expensive than traditional systems.
Best for: Properties with moderately draining soil that lack enough space for a full drain field.
The High-Rise: Mound System
How it works: Ideal for properties where soil conditions are subpar, a mound system involves building a sand mound above the natural ground level. Here, effluent is pumped from the septic tank into the mound, where it trickles through layers of sand and gravel, undergoing additional treatment before reaching the natural soil.
The High-Rise: Mound System
How it works: Ideal for properties where soil conditions are subpar, a mound system involves building a sand mound above the natural ground level. Here, effluent is pumped from the septic tank into the mound, where it trickles through layers of sand and gravel, undergoing additional treatment before reaching the natural soil.
Pros:
- Effective in Challenging Soil: Capable of functioning in areas with high water tables or shallow soils.
- Advanced Treatment: Provides excellent filtration through sand, leading to cleaner effluent.
Cons:
- Visual Impact: The mound can be a large, noticeable feature in your yard, affecting aesthetics.
- Costly Installation and Maintenance: More complex and therefore typically more expensive to install and maintain than traditional systems.
Best for: Properties with shallow soil, high water tables, or rocky terrains where traditional methods falter.
Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
How it works: This advanced system introduces oxygen into the treatment process. Air pumps inject oxygen into a treatment tank, fostering aerobic bacteria that effectively break down organic waste. After treatment, the cleaner effluent is sent to a secondary treatment method—be it a drip line or spray dispersal system.
This is not very common in the Alberta foothills.
Pros:
- Superior Effluent Quality: Produces a high level of treatment, yielding cleaner water.
- Compact Footprint: Takes up less space than many traditional systems.
- Versatile Applications: Effective in areas with challenging soil or proximity to water sources.
Cons:
- Electricity Dependency: Requires a power source, resulting in potential utility costs.
- Maintenance Requirements: More complex mechanisms lead to higher servicing needs.
- Higher Installation Costs: Initial setup can be more expensive than conventional options.
Best for: Smaller lots with poor soil or in environmentally sensitive areas where maintaining water quality is paramount.
The Hold-Everything: Holding Tank
How it works: A holding tank is basically a large, sealed container that collects all wastewater from your home. Rather than treating wastewater on-site, all collected effluent must be periodically pumped out by a professional service.
Pros:
- Easy Install: Simplistic and budget-friendly to set up.
- No Soil Complications: Since there is no on-site treatment, soil quality is irrelevant.
Cons:
- Regular Pumping Required: Frequent removal means ongoing operational costs can add up.
- No Treatment: Wastewater simply accumulates, which may lead to odour issues if not properly maintained.
Best for: Seasonal cabins, guest houses, or properties where other systems are impractical.
My Story,
Searching for the perfect piece of real estate to buy for my future home was an adventure. Constantly changing directions learning about different counties, landscapes and areas.
I finally found my dream property in Bighorn. Now I’m envisioning trees, wildlife, perhaps a goat, maybe chickens, and a bountiful vegetable garden. Then, someone throws a curveball: “What kind of septic system do you want?”
Caught off guard, I reply, “The one that works, that I don’t have to deal with?”
To solve the mystery, I brought in a local septic expert who conducted a thorough evaluation of my land, digging small test holes and assessing the soil composition. They deliver the results: “You’ve got sandy clay and high groundwater—conventional systems aren’t the best here. But a well-designed mound system could work perfectly.”
Taking a moment to picture a mound. What does that even mean? He goes on to explain the rules and how it works: it cannot go here, it cannot go that way, and the soil is no good here. I thought, “Well, that is why you brought in an expert.”
I decided to go with the mound system, as a holding tank sounds terrible and needs more maintenance,
If I plant bushes and let the native grass grow up around the mound, I won’t even know it’s there. Transforming it from an obstacle into a unique landscaping feature. Maybe?
Oh, no bushes or trees by the mounds, as the roots can be destructive to the pipes. Hmmm.
My contractor took care of the design, permits, and ordering everything and scheduled the installation date. Great.
Install day came, and they started digging, so much for the grass, down 8 feet so it doesn’t freeze, a 200’ trench to run the line out to the mound, a dump truck or two full of gravel. It seems like a lot.
Digging down, the contractor was right; we have a high water table, ummm, 6 feet. There is no way they can get down to eight or nine feet. That will be a problem come winter. I can see dollar bills flying out of my bank account as I have service calls to unfreeze my septic.
Digging down, the contractor was right; we have a high water table, ummm, 6 feet. There is no way they can get down to eight or nine feet. That will be a problem come winter. I can see dollar bills flying out of my bank account as I have service calls to unfreeze my septic.
Nope, no problem; they have dealt with this before. We want R20 over top. If we can’t do it with soil, we add ridged foam insulation. Again, the experts are paying off. They cut out the right shape as the tank was being lowered into the hole that now had a foot of water in it.
Oh yeah, did I mention it started pouring rain? We need to get the tank in before the sides of the hole collapse. They do a great job. Setting it level, insulating it and yes the sides collapsed in shortly after it was set.
Digging holes for the mound and back filling it with gravel, then piling soil above the pipes was way less trouble, now trenching in the pouring rain and watching it collapse in second after the pipe was in was a bit more exiting, especially when the skid steer got stuck and the ground under the backhoe was sluffing into the hole.
The guys we hired were great; they made a muddy mess but got the job done and cleaned up everything before they left.
Next comes the plumber and electrician, tying everything into the house. By using the right services, we have never had an issue, never froze when it was -40, and never had an issue with anything.
Final Thoughts
If you're buying an acreage or looking to develop raw land you purchased. The infrastructure of the property is what will make it livable. While septic systems may not be glamorous, they are undeniably essential for maintaining your rural lifestyle. By choosing the right system and contractors for your unique land and treating it with care, you can ensure efficiency and reliability for years to come. Remember: Effective wastewater management is not just about dealing with waste; it’s a crucial aspect of embracing and enjoying your rural life.
