AOWMA - FAQs

Commonly Asked Questions About Private Sewage Treatment Systems
How does a system fail? If solids or scum are allowed to accumulate too long in a septic tank or treatment system they overflow into the treatment field which causes a system "to fail". My system has to be pumped every year, why? Frequent pumping may be an indication of a treatment field failure How do I know who is qualified to build or repair a septic system? Wastewater professionals authorized to construct septic systems are certified by the AOWMA and have a PSDS ticket issued by the Province of Alberta Who pumps out septic tanks? Vacuum truck operators, also called haulers or pumpers, who list themselves as sewage haulers. How often should I pump my septic tank? Your system maintenance provider or vacuum truck service provider can advise you how often your tank needs to be pumped out, based on your usage history. It is recommended that systems are inspected/maintained annually and that they are pumped every 1 to 3 years. Visit the maintenance section to view a chart on estimating frequency of pump out. What is Graywater? Graywater is untreated household waste water which has not come into contact with toilet waste. Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes washing machines and laundry tubs. It does not include waste water from kitchen sinks, dishwashers or laundry water from soiled diapers. How long should a Septic System last? A conventional septic system should last anywhere from 20-25 years, or even longer, if it is properly installed and maintained with regular pump-outs every one to three years. Is private sewage risky and less well treated than big pipe? No. PSDS can match or exceed central treatment facilities for effluent quality. What are the signs that my septic system may be failing? Sewage odours indoors or outdoors Water (sewage) surfacing in your yard (often above your leaching field) Tile bed area is frequently wet and spongy Backup of sewage into your house A change in plant growth and algae (excessive growth) in nearby ponds and lakes Contamination in well water tests (increased levels of nitrates and coliform bacteria)

Commonly Asked Questions About Private Sewage Treatment Systems

How does a system fail?
If solids or scum are allowed to accumulate too long in a septic tank or treatment system they overflow into the treatment field which causes a system "to fail".

My system has to be pumped every year, why?
Frequent pumping may be an indication of a treatment field failure

How do I know who is qualified to build or repair a septic system?
Wastewater professionals authorized to construct septic systems are certified by the AOWMA and have a PSDS ticket issued by the Province of Alberta

Who pumps out septic tanks?
Vacuum truck operators, also called haulers or pumpers, who list themselves as sewage haulers.

How often should I pump my septic tank?
Your system maintenance provider or vacuum truck service provider can advise you how often your tank needs to be pumped out, based on your usage history. It is recommended that systems are inspected/maintained annually and that they are pumped every 1 to 3 years. Visit the maintenance section to view a chart on estimating frequency of pump out.

What is Graywater?
Graywater is untreated household waste water which has not come into contact with toilet waste. Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes washing machines and laundry tubs. It does not include waste water from kitchen sinks, dishwashers or laundry water from soiled diapers.

How long should a Septic System last?
A conventional septic system should last anywhere from 20-25 years, or even longer, if it is properly installed and maintained with regular pump-outs every one to three years.

Is private sewage risky and less well treated than big pipe?
No. PSDS can match or exceed central treatment facilities for effluent quality.

What are the signs that my septic system may be failing?
Sewage odours indoors or outdoors

Water (sewage) surfacing in your yard (often above your leaching field)

Tile bed area is frequently wet and spongy

Backup of sewage into your house

A change in plant growth and algae (excessive growth) in nearby ponds and lakes

Contamination in well water tests (increased levels of nitrates and coliform bacteria)