What is effluent?

Effluent refers specifically to the treated liquid wastewater that is discharged from a septic tank. This term encompasses the liquid that has undergone some level of treatment through the septic process, allowing it to flow into the drain field where it is further processed and absorbed by the soil. Understanding effluent is crucial for ensuring effective septic system function and protecting environmental health.

The other options represent different aspects of wastewater management but do not accurately describe effluent. For instance, solid waste from a septic tank refers to the solids that settle at the bottom and are not part of the effluent. Contaminated water from a drain field typically includes any untreated or partially treated water that has passed through the soil but may not be considered effluent as it lacks further treatment. Untreated household water simply refers to wastewater that has not been subjected to any treatment processes, making it distinctly different from the treated effluent produced by a septic system.