Lagoon System

A Lagoon System in an evaporation system where the effluent is treated by exposure to air, sunlight and bacterial action.

The Lagoon is designed to have a maximum 4 1/2 foot water level, berming of 3:1 slope ratio,
4 1/2 foot overflow into a small lateral field and is a total depth of 6 1/2 feet. Sizing depends on the number of bedrooms, (example: sizing for a three bedroom would be 1800 square feet or possibly a 30 foot x 60 foot Lagoon.)

Effluent is discharged to a septic tank for solids removal prior to discharge into the Lagoon. It is then carried through solid piping to the bottom of the Lagoon where it is discharged. Any overflow from the Lagoon discharges into a small lateral field where it is absorbed into the soil. This discharge will require little additional soil treatment because the effluent is relatively clear liquid with few solids.

Restrictions / Requirements:
Due to the depth, steepness of the walls, and the septic material in the Lagoon, a 6 foot fence with a locked gate is required to prevent the accessibility of children and livestock.

The water level should be kept at a depth of 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet to prevent vegetative growth, mosquito breeding and odors. Duckweed must be skimmed from the Lagoon. Chemicals should not be put into the Lagoon as it may kill algae which is necessary for proper treatment.

Disadvantages:
Lagoons are difficult to install in rocky soils or on steep slopes. Additionally, the visible appearance of the open water may not be attractive to some potential users.

Advantages:
Lagoons can be space efficient when compared to conventional rock laterals sized for a Group lV clay soil. This system can be cost efficient and easily installed, requires relatively low maintenance and normally has a long life span. When properly maintained and operated no odors or mosquito problems occur.

Gravelless Pipe

A Gravelless Pipe System can be used either on level land or moderate slopes with adequate soil depth above the water table or other restrictive horizon. This system uses corrugated polyethylene tubing which is eight inches in diameter. The tubing has specially designed perforations encased in drain guard protective wrap. No rock is needed in the trenches.

In the septic tank heavy solids in the liquid settle to the bottom and greases float to the top. In addition, bacteria break down some of the solids. The liquid flows from the septic tank through closed pipe, through distribution boxes and into the trenches. There the effluent seeps into the soil. As the liquid slowly moves through the soil, bacteria and oxygen purify the liquid. Regular pumping of the septic tank, every three to five years depending upon usage, reduces the possibility of solids being discharged into the trench and extends the life of the system.

Advantages:
This system can be installed at a less depth, thus reducing the amount of topsoil cover. This system utilizes the equal flow principle.

Requires less labor and equipment, thus is easier to install on complex slopes.

Restrictions / Requirements:
This system can not be installed in heavy soils . ( i.e. Type Four )

Other Topics:
Alternative Household Cleaning Solutions | Caring For Your Septic System - Do's & Don'ts | Check List for Evaluating Your Septic System | Common Onsite Regulations | Engineering and Design for Difficult Sites | Fill & Wait - Why? What? How? | Health Departments - Friends or Foe? | Improve Your System Practice Water Conservation | Potential Home Owners Reference | Potential Property Owners Reference | Septic Systems - How do they work? | Septic Tank Additives Danger in Disguise | Sewage Protection Program | Ten Commandments (for the septic tank) | Ten Most Asked Questions About Septic Systems | Why Systems Fail

Barrow Company specializes in the engineering and design of all types of systems. If you would like additional information on these or any other system, please use the Contact Us section on this website, e-mail us at info@barrowcompany.com or contact us by telephone or fax. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday