How does high groundwater impact OSSF performance?

High groundwater levels can significantly impact the performance of On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) by overwhelming the system. When the groundwater rises too high, it may saturate the soil surrounding the sewage treatment components. This saturation can impede the natural drainage and absorption processes that are crucial for the effective treatment of wastewater.

An overwhelmed OSSF system can lead to various issues, including surface discharge, where treated or untreated wastewater rises to the surface and may pose environmental and public health risks. This situation can also cause system failures, as the typical operation of these facilities relies on the hydraulic capacity of the soil to absorb and treat effluent adequately. Therefore, high groundwater levels are detrimental because they compromise the effective treatment and dispersal capabilities of OSSF systems, leading to potential environmental contamination and health hazards.