Town of Colchester

Many homes in Colchester are
served by on-site septic systems
and wells. The septic system
and well are two very important
components of a home and
require a little maintenance in
order to provide homeowners
with years of good service.
Private wells and septic systems
are often forgotten until a problem
arises.
Colchester CONNECTION
Septic and Well Maintenance
Health Department
One of the most important
things that helps keep a home
beautiful is a properly functioning
septic system. Just a few
simple steps can help maintain
the system properly. Get the
septic tank pumped every 3 - 5
years to keep it functioning properly and to allow periodic
inspection by a licensed septic professional. Just
as you would change the oil in your car, homeowners
should expect to have the septic tank pumped for proper
maintenance. It may be helpful to keep a written
record of the frequency of septic tank cleaning, both to
remember how often it has been cleaned, and also to
verify proper maintenance should it be decided to sell
the home in the future. Site plans showing the location
of septic systems may be on file in the Planning
and Zoning office in Town Hall. Feel free to come in
and ask to see your street file.
Septic systems are only designed and able to handle
waste produced in the household. Systems are not
designed to handle any kind of grease, toxic chemicals,
cigarette butts, hygiene items, or cat litter. Backwash
from well water treatment systems should never be
discharged into a septic system. Water treatment discharge
is by far the leading cause of septic system failure
in town, and can result in a very costly septic system
replacement. Do not park vehicles or large objects
on a septic system as they may crush the network of
pipes in the system or compact the soil and restrict the
ability of the soil to process sewage.
The well is another important
part of a home that gets constant
use. Many people in
Colchester find it necessary to
install a water treatment system
in order to remove the
naturally occurring minerals
in the groundwater. If a treatment
system is installed, the
backwash discharge from the
water treatment system can
not be directed to the septic
system. The discharge is illegal
and can cause premature
failure of the septic system,
resulting in expensive repairs
to or replacement of the septic
system. Homeowners may
wish to install a small, dedicated
leaching system that allows backwash water to
seep into the surrounding soil. More information
about water treatment backwash systems is available
on the Health Department page of the town website at
www.colchesterct.gov. Homeowners should test their
well water every 5-10 years to monitor for any potential
changes in water quality.
If you have any questions about your well or septic
system, the Colchester Health Department is here to
help. Feel free to call 860-537-7214 for more information
about your well or septic system.
Now
enrolling for
Full Time
& Part Time
Positions
Taking
ages 3
& up
224 Norwich Ave.
Colchester, CT 06415
860-537-6688
Colchesterkids@yahoo.com
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
Colchester CONNECTION
www.colchesterct.gov