The Difference between a Septic Tank and a Sewage Treatment Plant

What is the difference between a septic tank and a sewage treatment plant?

A septic tank produces a very polluting effluent which must be discharged only to a soakaway for further treatment of the septic pollutants by the natural aerobic soil bacteria.

A sewage treatment plant produces a clean, non-polluting effluent which can be discharged directly to a stream ditch or other watercourse, or to a soakaway for dispersal into the soil.

Septic tanks do not require electricity for the process, but all sewage treatment plants, except the BIOROCK, do.  The BIOROCK is the first of a new generation of sustainable, non-electric sewage systems.

The amount of electricity required by sewage treatment plants varies from plant to plant, so it is wise to ask before you buy.

Septic tank systems do not require actual servicing, but sewage treatment plants do.  Again, ask how much the service charge is before you buy.

Septic Tanks require emptying at least once a year, wheras sewage treatment plants have emptying intervals between 3 to 60 months,  Ask before you buy.