The liquid waste produced by soil absorption systems is called

The liquid waste produced by soil absorption systems is called

• A. Effluent
• B. Sewage
• C. Septage
• D. Sludge

Answer: (A)

Distinguishing between the solid and liquid components in on-site wastewater systems helps identify the right term. The liquid portion that leaves the building, after solids have settled in the tank and before it is treated by the soil, is called effluent. This liquid then flows into the soil absorption field where it is further treated and dispersed. Sewage refers to all wastewater from a source before treatment, septage is the concentrated solids pumped out of a septic tank, and sludge denotes the solid material that collects in the tank. Those terms describe other parts of the system, not the liquid that drains to the soil.

Distinguishing between the solid and liquid components in on-site wastewater systems helps identify the right term. The liquid portion that leaves the building, after solids have settled in the tank and before it is treated by the soil, is called effluent. This liquid then flows into the soil absorption field where it is further treated and dispersed.

Sewage refers to all wastewater from a source before treatment, septage is the concentrated solids pumped out of a septic tank, and sludge denotes the solid material that collects in the tank. Those terms describe other parts of the system, not the liquid that drains to the soil.