What is the primary purpose of On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF)?

The primary purpose of On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) is to treat and dispose of wastewater on the property where it is generated. This system is designed to effectively manage sewage and wastewater in areas lacking centralized sewage systems. By treating wastewater on-site, OSSFs help to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that pollutants do not contaminate local water sources. This treatment process typically involves separating solids, treating the liquid waste, and then safely dispersing or reusing the effluent in a way that minimizes environmental impact.

In contrast, recycling waste into usable water, while beneficial, is not the main function of OSSFs, which primarily focus on treatment and disposal. Storing wastewater until it can be treated at a facility is not a characteristic of OSSFs, as they are designed to handle the treatment on-site rather than deferring it. Lastly, providing a backup for municipal sewage systems is not the specific function of OSSFs; they serve as independent systems where municipal services are unavailable, rather than as complementary systems for existing infrastructures.