Septic Tanks VS Sewage Treatment Plans

One of the most common questions we are asked here at CM is what is the difference between a septic tank and a sewage treatment plant. A septic tank is effectively a holding tank for solids, so depending on usage, it will need emptying frequently and will require a drainage field (or soakaway) designing and installing in order to treat the foul water before it enters the ground. With a sewage treatment plant however, the treatment takes place through a biological process within the unit, so can discharge directly into a ditch or watercourse safely. Like a septic tank, a treatment plant can also discharge to a drainage field, but this will be smaller than the one required for a septic tank because it is only draining as no treatment is required. Any sites' requirements are very individual as to the best solution; we have to consider ground conditions, electricity access, regulations, locations, usage, levels... which is why a site visit is always advisable.

All of our CM engineers are British Waters accredited and all CM staff are fully equipped to answer questions about the Environment Agency's 2020 regulations regarding updating septic tank systems to sewage treatment plants, so please do give us a call if you need any further information.