Wastewater management is critical to protecting water resources. The ANJEC paper Septic Systems, Clean Water and Your Municipality explains the connections between development, water pollution, sanitary sewers, and septic systems. Residents in more than 300 NJ communities use on-site septic systems. Most of them depend on wells for their water supply. Because septic systems replenish the groundwater, it is very important that they function properly and do not pollute the groundwater.
The location, design, construction, installation, repair and operation of individual septic systems in New Jersey are subject to the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (N.J.A.C. 7:9A) pursuant to the authority of the Realty Improvement Sewerage and Facilities Act (N.J.S.A. 58:11-23). These standards, by rule, integrate the elements of soils, geology and engineering, so that a relatively simple system will effectively remove disease-causing pathogens and chemical nutrients from domestic wastewater. More information on Septic Systems can be found HERE.
Resources:
- Primer on Septic Systems (Rutgers)
- Septic Management Model Ordinance (NJDEP)
- Septic Systems, Clean Water and Your Municipality (ANJEC Resource Paper)
- New Jersey Wastewater Management Regulations (NJDEP)