July 25, 2006:
Making sure the septic tank size is adequate for the farm's needs is a crucial consideration when installing a septic system, says Joe Petryk, senior field inspector for Alberta Municipal Affairs. A septic tank that is too small to meet the needs of those living on the farm can cause unwanted backup.
Although there are several factors to consider when deciding on the size of a septic tank, Petryk says a ballpark estimate of a household's required capacity can be calculated using a simple formula.
"In single family dwellings, the average volume of sewage per day is estimated at 340 litres per person," he says. "To get a general idea of the size of tank required, multiply the number of bedrooms by the number of people per bedroom and then multiply the result by 340. For example, two persons in a two bedroom home would be two multiplied by two multiplied by 340 to equal the number of litres required."
The information on this website is available for reprint with credit to "The Alberta Environmental Farm Plan, www.albertaEFP.com".
Article development courtesy of The Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company