What is the main purpose of a septic system?

The main purpose of a septic system is to treat and dispose of household wastewater safely. This system is designed to handle the waste produced by homes that are not connected to a centralized sewer system. It functions by collecting wastewater from the household, allowing solid waste to settle at the bottom of the septic tank, while the liquid effluent is treated and filtered through a drain field, promoting natural microbial processes that break down contaminants. By responsibly treating and dispersing wastewater, septic systems help protect both public health and the environment.

Other options, while they might relate to wastewater management in different contexts, do not accurately convey the primary function of a septic system. For instance, recycling wastewater for irrigation focuses on reusing water rather than safely treating and disposing of it. Similarly, filtering groundwater and storing waste until picked up by a truck pertain to different systems or methods of waste management that are not the core purpose of septic systems.