How River Friendly is Your Septic Tank and Off-Main Sewage System?
What is a primary indication that your septic system might need maintenance?
If your sinks, toilets, or showers are draining slowly, it could be a sign that your septic tank is full and needs to be cleaned.
What nutrient is commonly released from poorly maintained septic tanks and can contribute to river pollution?
Septic systems often cannot fully remove phosphates from wastewater. These excess nutrients can enter rivers and fuel algal blooms that deplete oxygen, harming fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Which household products should be avoided (or used very carefully) if you have a septic tank?
Strong chemicals like bleach kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that break down waste. Without these bacteria, your system becomes inefficient and may pollute nearby watercourses.
What should you do with wet wipes, nappies, or sanitary items if you’re on a septic system?
These items don’t break down in a septic tank the way toilet paper does. Disposing of them in the bin reduces the risk of blockages and your system failing.
Why is siting and design of an off‑mains sewage system important?
If a septic tank or treatment plant is too close to a river, or the soakaway isn’t properly designed, nutrient-rich effluent can travel into water bodies, harming ecosystems.
Why is it important not to pour grease down the sink when on a septic system?
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Thank you for taking part in our Septic tank & Off-mains sewage quiz to help protect the river Kent.
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers.
Thank you for taking part in our septic tank & off-mains sewage quiz to help protect the river Kent. Your a septic system whiz. Thank you for supporting the river Kent.