What is a potential outcome of heavy rainfall on an OSSF system?

Heavy rainfall can significantly impact an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) system by causing over-saturation of the soil and the system's components. When there is excessive rain, the soil around the OSSF can become saturated to the point where it cannot effectively absorb or filter the wastewater. This saturation limits the system's ability to treat effluent properly, which can lead to system failure.

Over-saturation may result in wastewater backing up into the household or onto the surface, creating environmental and health hazards. It also affects the biological processes within the system; microorganisms necessary for breaking down waste may be unable to function effectively due to the excess water. Overall, this could ultimately compromise the system's integrity and performance.

In contrast, increased nutrient absorption, clogs from surface runoff, and enhanced microbial activity are less likely outcomes related to heavy rainfall and do not capture the primary concern of system performance and integrity under saturated conditions.