What type of waste is primarily treated by septic systems?

Septic systems are specifically designed to treat domestic wastewater, which includes the effluents from bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities in residential settings. This type of waste typically contains organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and bacteria, requiring biological and physical treatment processes to ensure proper breakdown and safe disposal into the environment.

The design of a septic system includes a septic tank that holds and partially treats the wastewater through bacterial digestion, followed by a drain field that further filters the effluent into the soil, promoting natural purification. The focus on domestic wastewater ensures that the treatment process is effective for the types and volumes of waste typically generated by households.

In contrast, stormwater runoff is usually managed through different systems focused on preventing flooding and managing water quality, while industrial waste and hazardous materials are subject to stricter regulations and require specialized treatment facilities due to their toxic or complex nature.