Which environmental factors can negatively affect an OSSF system?

Heavy rain, flooding, and excessive soil saturation can significantly impede the functionality and efficiency of an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF). These environmental conditions can lead to the rapid saturation of the soil, which may prevent the proper absorption of effluent. When soil becomes overly saturated, it cannot effectively process wastewater, leading to potential surface runoff, contamination of nearby water sources, and system failure. Additionally, flooding can disrupt the physical components of the OSSF, such as the septic tank and drain field, causing structural damage or displacement of these systems.

In contrast, while other conditions like low humidity or drought periods might impact certain aspects of soil moisture, they do not directly result in the same immediate negative consequences on OSSF functionality as heavy rain and flooding do. Frequent sunny days and warm temperatures generally support the evaporation of excess moisture, which can be beneficial for some systems. As for winter frost and snowfall, while they may create temporary obstructions or delays in maintenance, they do not usually disrupt the operation of an OSSF as drastically as excessive moisture does.