Technically, a "septic system" is only one of many types of "onsite wastewater systems"; however, we found that the public is most comfortable using the term "septic system" to describe all types of systems.

This information is provided to help you better understand the industry terminology and designs of the many different options for treating sewage. This is not an exhaustive list, but it does cover the more common system types.

Much of the following information comes from National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) publications. (More about NSFC)

• Gravelless & Chamber Systems (PDF 344KB)
• Mound Systems (PDF 76KB)
• Intermittent Sand Filters (PDF 82KB)
• Recirculating Sand Filters (PDF 127KB)
• Trickling Sand Filters (PDF 109KB)
• Low-Pressure Pipe Systems (PDF 67KB)
• Constructed Wetlands or Lagoons (PDF 136KB)
• Home Aerobic Systems (PDF 285KB)
• Fine Bubble Aeration (PDF 95KB)
• Evapotranspiration (PDF 114KB)
• Composting Toilet Systems (PDF 158KB)
• Ozone Disinfection (PDF 64KB)
• Chlorine Disinfection (PDF 97KB)
• Low-Flow Toilet (PDF 223KB)
• Incinerating Toilet (PDF 301KB)

Greywater

• Greywater Reuse in Boulder County (PDF 160KB)
• Characterization and Treatment Efficiency (PDF 181KB)

Additional Technology Information

• EPA Technical Information
• Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual
  EPA/625/R-00/008. This update of the 1980 Design Manual was developed to provide supplemental and new information for wastewater treatment professionals in both the public and private sectors.
• Proliferation of Individual Sewage Disposal Systems (aka OWS):
  Should We Be Concerned?

About the National Small Flows Clearinghouse

The NSFC helps America's small communities and individuals solve their wastewater problems to protect public health and the environment.

Community leaders, as well as individual homeowners, can benefit from NSFC's services. As a nonprofit organization, the NSFC provides objective information about onsite wastewater collection and treatment systems for communities of less than 10,000 people.

The NSFC is the only national resource of its type dealing with small community wastewater infrastructure.

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Please Note: This information is intended to provide a better understanding of the functions of onsite wastewater treatment and the need for proper design, installation, and maintenance. Always consult a licensed professional or public health official with questions regarding engineering, installation, and servicing of onsite wastewater systems.