What type of system do properties not connected to public sewer systems typically use?

Properties that are not connected to public sewer systems typically use septic systems for wastewater management. A septic system is an on-site treatment solution that includes a septic tank and a drain field.

The septic tank collects household wastewater, where solids settle at the bottom and form sludge, while lighter materials float on top to create scum. The liquid effluent then flows into the drain field or leach field, where it is naturally filtered through the soil. This process treats the wastewater before it ultimately reenters the groundwater.

Septic systems are particularly common in rural or less densely populated areas where extending public sewer lines would be impractical or too expensive. Unlike holding tanks, which require regular removal of wastewater and can only temporarily store it, septic systems are designed for ongoing treatment and can handle bathroom, kitchen, and laundry waste in a more sustainable fashion.

While cesspools are similar in function, they are typically older and less efficient systems, as they do not provide the same level of treatment. Municipal treatment systems, on the other hand, handle wastewater collectively from a wide area and are not used for individual properties that are not connected to public sewer. Thus, septic systems are the most suitable and widely used option for properties outside of municipal sewer coverage.