Septic System & Wells

Septic Systems

The United Stated Environmental Protection Agency defines a septic system aa an underground wastewater treatment structure, commonly used in rural areas without centralized sewer systems. Septic Systems use a combination of nature and proven technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry.

A typical septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainfield, or soil absorption field.

The septic tank digests organic matter and separates floatable matter (e.g., oils and grease) and solids from the wastewater. Soil-based systems discharge the liquid (known as effluent) from the septic tank into a series of perforated pipes buried in a leach field, chambers, or other special units designed to slowly release the effluent into the soil.

Alternative systems use pumps or gravity to help septic tank effluent trickle through sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants like disease-causing pathogens, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants. Some alternative systems are designed to evaporate wastewater or disinfect it before it is discharged to the soil.

Water well testing kits are available for pick-up at the Nantucket Health and Human Services office, 131 Pleasant Street.  

The form, instructions and fee schedule are part of the kit.

Please send questions to health@nantucket-ma.gov