Chapman Lakes Conservation Association, Inc.--Official Web Site

The function of wastewater treatment is to treat effluent so that it is as harmless as possible to the environment. Without effective treatment systems, waste poisons the environment and groundwater, causes disease, and even prevents production of edible food.
More restrictive water quality standards and complex pollutants in recent years have required changes in how wastewater is considered for treatment.
There are two kinds of wastewater: Commercial and Residential. Both need to be treated before being set free in the environment. Commercial wastewater is often a more critical issue because of chemicals, toxins and other wastes that may have been used in production, and because of the volume often generated. While a single-family home does not create a large volume, the presence of so many new chemical agents used in household cleaning and maintenance has grown dramatically over the years making the average home an important source of toxic materials. Typically, the average three-bedroom home produces between 750 and 1,000 gallons of effluent per day.

Generally, commercial businesses do more to clean up their effluent before it gets to the environment than the average householder simply because business is more closely regulated and controlled. When was the last time you cleaned your paint brushes in the sink?
The three most used methods to "treat" effluent are these:

1. Septic systems.
   
2. Constructed wetlands.
   
3. Municipal treatment plant.
   

It is important to keep in mind that every kind of wastewater system, large or small, requires approval from governmental regulatory agencies and continuing maintenance or monitoring. In some places, particularly those around natural lakes, annual residential septic tank and absorption field inspections are required.
Systems serving more than one residence require establishing a governmental entity or utility responsible for maintenance and operation.
SEPTIC SYSTEM

When properly designed, installed, and maintained, septic systems can provide cost-effective treatment of household sewage and certain wastes from small businesses. Unfortunately, septic systems that malfunction can contaminate groundwater, surface water, and soils.

According to a U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication: "septic systems are the most frequently reported sources of groundwater contamination in the nation."
Septic systems are most often used for residential treatment, but can and are used in commercial situations. One third of all homes in the U.S. use this kind of sewage treatment. It is the least expensive method of those listed here. The initial cost is low and maintenance costs are low as well. A home owner must understand annual pumping of the tank and inspections are recommended near a lake.
The process is rather simple. Wastewater flows from the home into a tank. Most solids decompose and deteriorate naturally in the tank and the liquid flows out into a disposal or absorption field (usually referred to as a leach or drain field) where the liquid percolates through the ground filtering out undesirable contaminants. Tanks must be pumped, inspected, and the sludge or septage taken to a treatment facility for proper disposal.
Septic systems are limited by the water table and the type of soil in which they are constructed. Water table is a particular problem around natural lakes. The ground must be capable of filtering (treating) the effluent, and there must be adequate space to handle the expected flow. High water table, frozen ground, soil conditions, heavy rainfall, all have a disabling affect on septic systems.
A "cluster" septic system, like that installed at Lamb Lake, Indiana, for seven homes, usually involves a series of tanks serving a few homes all connected to a single large drain field. Because more than one property or homeowner is involved, it is a public utility and is subject to those regulations.