Prevention is better than cure. This is the slogan that health experts have been advocating. Health care should start at home. A healthy home means a healthy environment. Similarly, various government agencies have been educating citizens to be health conscious especially with the prevalence of Coronavirus. It is ultimately necessary for every individual to observe cleanliness. Every safety-related problem that happens at home that involves expert service should be addressed accordingly. Simple occurrences like clogged drains, disturbing sewage smells, or unusual swampy surfaces in the yard shouldn’t be taken lightly. These instances can cause serious illnesses. So, it’s always better to be extra alert and seek help from the right people. These are obvious indications of plumbing or septic system issues.
The Department of Health constantly reminds each household and community to be mindful of regular septic maintenance, cleaning, and inspection. If this basic reminder is ignored, it may result in more serious health problems. The consequences of a failing septic system are more difficult to handle than preventing the system from failing. Surely, we do not want anything worse to happen to our family, pets, community, and environment. Any significant action is deemed important in preventing further system failure. Let’s scrutinize the effects of a failing septic system on human health, animals, and the environment.
Harmful Effects on Human Health
If wastewater is inadequately treated, it poses a threat to human health. When the septic system is failing, it releases fumes that can be toxic to humans once inhaled. For instance, nitrate, if ingested, can disrupt the body’s capacity to carry oxygen, resulting in a “blue baby” syndrome or methemoglobinemia. The sewage environment is an ideal channel for both pathogenic and non-pathogenic micro-organisms. Viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms are dangerous pathogens. Fecal matter is a huge element of domestic sewage and a major source of pathogens in wastewater. Once these pathogenic microorganisms contaminate the groundwater, it is extremely dangerous for humans to drink water. Doing so can cause serious diseases.
Typhoid Fever
Signs and symptoms include fever, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea. This is an illness caused by Salmonella enterica and is commonly transmitted by ingestion of water or food contaminated by feces.
Cholera
A person suffering from cholera experiences severe diarrhea which can cause dehydration and death if not properly treated. This disease was prevalent in the US during the 1800s due to a lack of sewage treatment and a modern water system.
Giardiasis
It is an infection in the small intestine caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. This can be acquired by drinking contaminated water and eating contaminated food. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, abdominal cramps or pain, diarrhea, or greasy stools.
Legionellosis
This is a bacterial disease that can cause respiratory illness or pneumonia. The waterborne bacterium is called Legionella pneumophila, and one common source is the hot and cold-water system. Infection can happen by aspiration of contaminated water. It has influenza-like symptoms. The person with legionellosis suffers from headaches, chills, fever, and muscle pains.
Hepatitis
A viral infection transmitted by ingesting contaminated liquid or food and is highly contagious. The virus can spread from the bloodstream to the liver, which causes inflammation and swelling. Any person with this illness has flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, and body pains), yellowish skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored stool, and loss of appetite.
Norovirus
Another highly contagious illness is acquired through the consumption of contaminated water and food, or touching contaminated surfaces, and putting unclean hands in the mouth. Common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Acute Gastroenteritis
This is sometimes called food poisoning as this is commonly experienced by people who consume food or water contaminated with bacteria and other toxins. Symptoms are diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
Risks on Animals and Wildlife
If you are experiencing a septic system malfunction, not only residents are affected but also pets, and livestock. Once the system releases awful odor from various gasses built up from the tank, it can be harmful to animals as well. For instance, sulfide gas is a common chemical that septic emits that can irritate the eyes and cause dizziness. When these animals ingest contaminated water, their health will be at stake. Once the contaminated water reaches the surface waters it may release too many nutrients and bacteria to the rivers, streams, lakes, and the ocean. Hence, destroying marine life. Furthermore, some nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen can cause plants to proliferate, such as algae. These plants can block the sunlight and kill other beneficial plants. These algae use up oxygen as they decompose. To avoid this damaging aquatic life, make sure to have a failing septic system fixed. Act now and visit septictank.com. These experts are dedicated to help and provide efficient professional service regarding septic issues. Let’s not pollute other species’ habitats as it directly affects us as well. Besides, we want to enjoy clean and contaminant-free coastal waters for activities like swimming, boating, and fishing, while having a sumptuous feast on our favorite salmon, crabs, lobsters, and oysters.
The Impact on the Environment
We may be giving too much attention to the harmful effects of the failing septic system on the health of humans and animals. The impact on the environment might have been overlooked. A system that is not working properly and shows different alarming signs can also cause pollution. An improperly maintained system will release more pollutants and contaminants into the groundwater. These contaminants may include toxic chemicals and heavy metals from small commercial establishments or households. They do not only cause infectious diseases but also affect the environment.
Hypoxia, a condition where there is a loss of oxygen in the bottom waters, may have serious ecological implications. Everything that happens to humans and animals will always affect the environment. As stated at the beginning of the article, prevention is better than cure. We cannot stress that fact enough. To keep your septic systems away from failing, you will have to schedule regular inspections at least once every three years. You can learn more about it on this page.
When a septic system fails, the impact is not only on humans and animals. The environment also suffers. It’s a chain reaction that affects the ecosystem. When serious diseases attack the living organisms an ecological imbalance is most likely to happen. Small things create a big difference. So, let’s start by keeping our septic tank properly maintained.
