What is a mound system in septic systems?

A mound system in septic systems is specifically designed to treat wastewater in areas where the soil is not suitable for traditional septic systems. The defining characteristic of a mound system is that it elevates the septic system above the natural soil level. This is accomplished by constructing a mound of soil, which is made to provide adequate space for infiltration and treatment of effluent.

The elevated nature of the mound allows for better drainage and treatment, especially in regions with high groundwater levels or poor soil conditions. In a mound system, the septic tank discharges treated wastewater into a distribution system placed within the mound. The effluent then percolates through layers of sand and soil within the mound, filtering out contaminants before it reaches the groundwater.

While using gravity drainage can be a feature of some septic systems, it is not a characteristic of mound systems, which rely on a different design to handle wastewater filtration and treatment. Other systems that filter water through gravel are typically not categorized specifically as mound systems; instead, they may refer to more traditional trenches or beds. Additionally, compact sewer systems are urban solutions that differ entirely from the mound systems intended for rural or difficult terrains.