septic systems and starter tips

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We just purchased 15 acres in northwestern Oklahoma. It is unimproved and we'll be doing the septic system ourselves. We were looking for building plans, ideas, tips etc for septic systems. We also have a creek so we'd like to know how far away we need to place the system to avoid contaminating it and our well. Also, any other starter tips are welcome. We're excited we're finally able to make our first step to our dream.

-- Fred and Rosemarie Morrison (fredandrosemarie@juno.com), December 05, 1999

Answers

Your local county extension council has brochures on all of the subjects that you ask about. If they don't, drive into Kansas and ours will. Your neighbor to the North, i.e. in Kansas.

-- greenbeanman (greenbeanman@ourtownusa.net), December 05, 1999.

Typically septic systems are located within a 10,000 sq.ft. septic reserve area (SRA). This gives you additional area to add new drainlines or fields should your system require it in the future. Potable water sources in deep wells are usually best kept a minimum of 100 feet from the SRA. But, your circumstances and conditions really need to be determined locally. Specifications for a design, system type, depths, lengths, etc. vary and are best evaluated locally due to soil types and environmental conditions. Probably the best source is your county or state environmental health department. Some localities require systems to be designed/approved by the environmental health officer or submitted by a qualified plumber, septic contractor, etc. Of course, other areas of "free america" have no such rules. You can check the phone book under county government for the health department's environmental health division or if nothing is available try the state gov. Obviously, it is wise to insure your septic system is designed properly and located safe distances from the water sources. The shallower your well is the more safe distance which may be required from the septic.

-- Derrick Comfort (dcomfort@ccnmail.com), December 06, 1999.

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