What happens if the OSSF system isn’t properly sized?

When an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) system is not properly sized, it can lead to inadequate treatment of wastewater. Proper sizing is critical because it ensures that the system can handle the anticipated volume of sewage and effectively treat it according to state regulations. If a system is undersized, it may become overwhelmed by the volume of inflow, which can prevent proper treatment processes from occurring. This situation increases the risk of system failure, which can result in environmental contamination, health hazards, and costly repairs or replacements.

Adequate sizing is essential in maintaining the balance between wastewater generation and the system's capacity to process and treat that waste. A properly sized system is designed to function under normal conditions and accommodate peak usage times without compromising treatment quality. Therefore, maintaining correct sizing is fundamental to the longevity and reliability of an OSSF system.