What is a leach field designed for?

A leach field, also known as a drain field or soil absorption field, is specifically designed for the distribution of effluent, which is the liquid wastewater that comes from a septic tank after the solid waste has been settled at the bottom. This effluent is treated to a certain extent by bacteria in the septic tank before it enters the leach field.

In the leach field, the effluent is dispersed into the soil through a network of perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches. The soil acts as a natural filter, allowing the effluent to percolate through and be further treated by microorganisms present in the soil. This process helps to purify the water before it eventually enters the groundwater system.

The design and function of a leach field are critical for maintaining the overall effectiveness of a septic system, as they ensure that the effluent is treated and distributed evenly, preventing pooling or contamination of nearby water sources.

The other choices relate to aspects not associated with the primary function of a leach field. The storage of solid waste is managed within the septic tank, which is where solids settle down and bacteria begin the breakdown process. Access to the septic tank pertains to maintenance and inspection, rather than effluent distribution. Filtration of contaminated water