What happens to the effluent after it is distributed through the mound system?

The effluent distributed through the mound system is absorbed by the sand and gravel layers. This is an essential function of a mound system, which is designed to treat wastewater in areas where the soil may not be suitable for traditional septic systems. The effluent seeps into the sand and gravel, allowing the natural filtration processes to take place. The porous nature of these materials facilitates the absorption and treatment of the effluent, enabling microbial action to further break down contaminants.

In a mound system, the carefully designed layers ensure that the effluent is adequately treated as it percolates through the soil. The sand and gravel not only help to distribute the wastewater evenly but also promote aeration and the biological activity necessary for effective treatment. This process ultimately protects groundwater and the environment from potential pollutants present in the effluent. Other methods, such as storing effluent in underground tanks or diverting it to secondary systems, do not accurately reflect the function of a mound system in wastewater management.