Reedbed's are natures sewage and purification system, Phragmites australis, septic tank, sewage, slurry, waste water, foul, contaminated land runoff, effluent, DIY
Good question, until recently it was the maxim “out of sight out of mind” and many of our underground water systems were regularly being polluted. Now we have to look at our waste water discharges more responsibly, and not trust to luck that our effluent won’t harm anything.
The methods adopted to treat discharge from septic tanks cess pits and the like vary greatly, but one fact dominates, and that is without healthy bacteria no discharge is safe. Healthy effective bacteria are the key element in the breakdown of pollutants, in the form of suspended solids, in sewage and waste water effluent discharges from traditional sewage treatment systems.
The use of reed beds is seen to be the natural environmentally sustainable answer by many users; however, this is not the whole solution because a reed bed is totally dependant upon the symbiotic relationship with bacteria living on the roots and or the carbohydrate loaded rhizomes.
The methods adopted to treat discharge from septic tanks cess pits and the like vary greatly, but one fact dominates, and that is without healthy bacteria no discharge is safe. Healthy effective bacteria are the key element in the breakdown of pollutants, in the form of suspended solids, in sewage and waste water effluent discharges from traditional sewage treatment systems.
The use of reed beds is seen to be the natural environmentally sustainable answer by many users; however, this is not the whole solution because a reed bed is totally dependant upon the symbiotic relationship with bacteria living on the roots and or the carbohydrate loaded rhizomes.
One problem in the past that seems to have stood in the way of these ideas being adopted by the industry has been the lack of a generic solution. This is no longer an issue because with the use of EM, effective micro-organisms, the site specific requirements can easily be met, either in a constructed wetland or an in vessel design.
The dangers posed by sewage effluent leaking out are well known to us all, the clogged up land drain fields, the un repaired overflow pipes etc present real problems that need a response, and retrofit solutions can be the way forward. Owners of private, non mains, sewage treatment systems have a responsibility, and pleading ignorance of the regulations is no defence. Neither is saying “its OK, this is how it has always been done here”. Acceptance of past bad practice in the face of new proven affordable knowledge is no longer an option.
Septic tanks, and the like, should come with an inclusive environmentally friendly overflow discharge treatment answer to suit any pocket and location, not just because the regulations demand it, but because it makes common sense. We should think of sewage treatment and effluent treatment as we think of strawberries and cream…… obvious.
The dangers posed by sewage effluent leaking out are well known to us all, the clogged up land drain fields, the un repaired overflow pipes etc present real problems that need a response, and retrofit solutions can be the way forward. Owners of private, non mains, sewage treatment systems have a responsibility, and pleading ignorance of the regulations is no defence. Neither is saying “its OK, this is how it has always been done here”. Acceptance of past bad practice in the face of new proven affordable knowledge is no longer an option.
Septic tanks, and the like, should come with an inclusive environmentally friendly overflow discharge treatment answer to suit any pocket and location, not just because the regulations demand it, but because it makes common sense. We should think of sewage treatment and effluent treatment as we think of strawberries and cream…… obvious.
It is the bacteria that do all the process work of making the waste water safe, just as bacteria breakdown our food inside our bodies to give us nutrients and waste products not good for us. Therefore, we should look at a reed bed as a bacteria farm and housing complex, without which we would have a lot more dirty water.
The myth that reed beds, and biodiversity landscapes, need vast areas of land should be scotched now. We should call reed beds and similar types of landscape features constructed wetlands, because they nearly all are constructed and can fit into almost any shape and place. This is not an exaggerated claim because they don’t even need to be built at ground level, roofs and even portable surfaces are now being used successfully.
So, with the discharge treatments so effective and relatively cheap and easy to install the future to stop water pollution, as the regulations require, looks rosy.
The next step can now be that all new, replacement and repaired septic tanks, cess pits and private sewage treatment systems can come with their own site specific discharge treatment solution maintained and administered by the property owner or solution supplier.
The supplier maintained solutions need only last a few years because of the regeneration properties of the bacteria such as EM, effective micro-organisms, which are one of the most commonly used solutions around the world. The supplier would normally send activated bacteria in the post to the client site, and because it is natural and safe to use the client would pour it down the drains. The supplier having the knowledge needed to ensure optimum effectiveness of the dosing would assuage any concerns the client may have related to weather and site conditions.
The need to protect water sources is ever more important as the demands upon resources are increasing. The use of integral discharge treatments for all non mains sewer systems will go a long way to ensure regulatory compliance, less dangers from flooding and more usable water available.
The myth that reed beds, and biodiversity landscapes, need vast areas of land should be scotched now. We should call reed beds and similar types of landscape features constructed wetlands, because they nearly all are constructed and can fit into almost any shape and place. This is not an exaggerated claim because they don’t even need to be built at ground level, roofs and even portable surfaces are now being used successfully.
So, with the discharge treatments so effective and relatively cheap and easy to install the future to stop water pollution, as the regulations require, looks rosy.
The next step can now be that all new, replacement and repaired septic tanks, cess pits and private sewage treatment systems can come with their own site specific discharge treatment solution maintained and administered by the property owner or solution supplier.
The supplier maintained solutions need only last a few years because of the regeneration properties of the bacteria such as EM, effective micro-
The need to protect water sources is ever more important as the demands upon resources are increasing. The use of integral discharge treatments for all non mains sewer systems will go a long way to ensure regulatory compliance, less dangers from flooding and more usable water available.
Two views of a farm effluent treatment system
Clean water after a reed bed treatment system
Effluent pool in winter
Dirty Water, Where Does It Go?