What is the primary function of a septic system?

The primary function of a septic system is to treat and dispose of household wastewater. A septic system operates by collecting wastewater from a household, which includes water from sinks, showers, and toilets. Once this wastewater enters the system, it is channeled into a septic tank where solids settle to the bottom, forming sludge, while oils and grease float to the top, forming scum. Bacteria within the tank break down the organic matter in the sludge, leading to a reduction in the volume of waste.

After the initial treatment in the tank, the partially treated wastewater flows out into a drain field, where it is further filtered through soil. This natural filtration process helps to eliminate harmful pathogens and pollutants before the water re-enters the groundwater supply.

While the other options address important environmental concerns, they do not describe the specific role of a septic system. Storing household solid waste is not a function of septic systems, as septic tanks are designed primarily for liquid waste treatment. Filtering air pollutants is unrelated to the core operations of a septic system, which handles liquid waste rather than air. Additionally, managing stormwater runoff focuses on controlling surface water drainage and does not involve the treatment of household wastewater. Thus, the accurate and encompassing role of a septic system is