How River Friendly is Your Septic Tank and Off-Main Sewage System?

How River Friendly is Your Septic Tank and Off-Main Sewage System?

WRE

/7

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.

Slow Drains

Excessive weed growth in the garden

Birds gathering near the yard

Flowers wilting near the tank

/7

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.

Mercury

Phosphate

Salt

Carbon Dioxide

/7

What is a recommended maintenance action for septic tanks to prevent pollution?

Removing sludge regularly ensures the system works properly and reduces the risk of untreated sewage leaking out or nutrient-rich effluent being discharged.

Biodegradable detergents are safe because they break down naturally without harming the system.

Add bleach daily to keep it clean

Paint the tank with waterproof sealants

Empty the tank regularly (e.g. annually

Only flush solid items

/7

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.

Harsh bleach and disinfectants

Phosphate-free detergents

Environmentally-friendly cleaning products

Water-based paints

/7

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.

Flush them down the toilet

Put them in the garden waste bin

Throw them in the general rubbish bin

Compost them

/7

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.

Because it affects the colour of the tank

Poorly sited systems may leak nutrients into watercourses

The design doesn’t matter

Only old tanks cause pollution

/7

Why is it important not to pour grease down the sink when on a septic system?

Grease solidifies as it cools, potentially leading to blockages in pipes.

Grease can solidify and clog pipes

It attracts rodents

It changes the water color

It deactivates household cleaners

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.

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.

You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers.

You're a septic system superstar! Let's keep those rivers clean!