What is a percolation area?
For a septic tank, the percolation area is an area of soil where treated wastewater is discharged into the ground.
A percolation system is now standard for all new septic tanks installed in Ireland today. These systems are engineered to treat the partially treated effluent from the septic tank and to distribute this treated liquid into the underlying ground water.
The EPA has published a Code of Practice: Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (p.e < 10). The code of practice (CoP) establishes an overall framework of best practice in relation to the development of wastewater treatment and disposal systems, in unsewered rural areas, for protection of our environment and specifically water quality.
The code replaces previous guidance issued by the EPA on wastewater treatment systems for single houses (EPA, 2000) and incorporates the requirements of new European guidelines, recent research findings and submissions and comments received during the consultation process.
This EPA code of practice sets out the following:
- An assessment methodology for the determination of site suitability for an on-site wastewater treatment system and identification of the minimum environmental protection requirements
- A methodology for the selection of a suitable wastewater treatment system for sites in unsewered rural areas
- Information on the design and installation of conventional septic tank systems, filter systems and mechanical aeration systems
- Information on tertiary treatment systems
- Maintenance requirements for the above systems
