FAQ

My yard is wet. Can I still have septic?

Direct answer

Yes, but you may need a mound system or aerobic treatment unit. High water tables limit conventional drain fields. Counties have specific design requirements; we evaluate permit-appropriate options.

More detail

High water table (groundwater within 4 feet of surface seasonally) prevents conventional drain field operation because effluent cannot percolate adequately through saturated soil. Central Ohio lots with this issue include some along the Scioto River corridor, lots adjacent to Big Walnut Creek and the Olentangy River, and various flat-bottom areas in Pickaway and Madison counties. Three workable approaches: (1) Mound system: imports sand to create an above-grade absorption area that stays dry. Cost $12,000-$20,000. (2) ATU with surface discharge under Ohio EPA permit: cleaner effluent allows direct discharge to a stream. Cost $10,000-$18,000 plus permitting. (3) Lifted conventional system: builds up a fill pad and installs a conventional system on the elevated grade. Cost similar to mound but requires more soil work. The county health district determines which option is permittable for a specific lot based on perc test results, water-table elevation, setback distances, and surface-water proximity. Columbus flood-prone area examples: lots near the Scioto River corridor, lots adjacent to Big Walnut Creek and the Olentangy River, and the flat farmland bottoms of Pickaway and Madison counties. Homeowners on these lots should plan for either a mound system, an ATU with surface discharge, or municipal sewer connection at next-system-replacement time. Conventional gravity is generally not viable.

Authoritative sources

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