What is the potential consequence of neglecting septic system maintenance?

Neglecting septic system maintenance can lead to significant health hazards and environmental contamination. When a septic system is not properly maintained, it can fail to effectively treat wastewater, causing untreated sewage to back up into homes or seep into the surrounding soil and waterways. This can result in the spread of pathogens, bacteria, and other harmful substances that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Additionally, contaminated groundwater can lead to broader environmental issues, impacting local ecosystems and drinking water supplies. Regular maintenance, such as pumping and inspections, is essential to ensure that the system functions effectively and to prevent these serious complications.

On the other hand, the other options do not address the consequences of neglecting maintenance. Improved wastewater treatment is typically a result of proper system upkeep, not neglect. A reduction in water usage isn’t a direct consequence of neglecting septic maintenance; in fact, failures often result in increased water usage as systems become inefficient. Lastly, an increased property size is unrelated to septic system maintenance and does not reflect any consequence of neglect.