Written by: Dr. Jason Barrett, Associate Extension Professor & Associate Director at the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University
It’s like turning lemons into lemonade. If you do not like lemons, you may want to find something good that can be found in or produced from this fruit. Some people do not like extremely dry weather, but it is something that we may all very well experience every year or have experienced at some point. A large portion of the US is currently in a drought or a dry season. Septic system owners can see some benefits from dry weather. So, we should not look at this time of year as all bad.
Here are a few benefits to consider.
- Visible Impacts to Vegetation: If the drain field (or leach field) is either clogged or not draining properly, the moisture will rise. The moisture moving to the soil surface instead of penetrating the soil, will cause a noticeable effect to the color and height of the grass/vegetation.
- Reduced Soil Saturation and Backups: Dry weather helps prevent the soil around the septic system from becoming oversaturated and reduces the chances of effluent (wastewater) backing up into the home or surfacing in the yard. In ideal conditions, the soil absorbs and filters the effluent from the septic system. Excess moisture can reduce the soil’s ability to effectively treat and disperse the effluent, potentially leading to system failures or backups.
- Improved Drainage: With dry weather, the drain field (or leach field) remains better drained. When the ground is dry, there is less risk of pooling water in the drain field. This can help maintain proper functioning and reduce the need for repairs or maintenance.
- Enhanced System Longevity: By avoiding the stress and strain caused by excess moisture, a septic system can function more efficiently and have a longer lifespan. Dry conditions help maintain the balance of bacteria and microorganisms necessary for breaking down waste, thereby supporting overall system health.
While dry weather can be beneficial, it is important to continue regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the system functions properly over time.