Like a septic field, a sewage lagoon is part of an on-site waste treatment system. In areas where the soil is not appropriate for a septic field, local ordinances often require lagoon installation instead. If you are in the process of installing an on-site wastewater system, below is what you should know about sewage lagoons.

A Guide to Sewage Lagoon Installation

What Is a Sewage Lagoon?

Like a septic field, a sewage lagoon is the second half of a personal waste treatment system. Waste leaves the house and enters a septic tank, where grease floats to the top, solids sink to the bottom, and the middle liquid layer is pre-treated by bacteria. After treatment, liquids are released from the tank into the lagoon—a three-foot deep pond where sun, wind, algae, and aerobic bacteria continue treating the liquid waste. 

How Do Lagoons & Drain Fields Differ?

While lagoons are open pits, drain fields are located entirely underground. Liquids leave the septic tank via perforated pipes that let the liquids escape into the soil. This requires porous earth that allows for easy drainage, meaning that soil with clay or rocks is not appropriate for the drain field. Lagoon installation, on the other hand, is soil independent. Excess liquids will spill from the lagoon and must be taken up by plants in a surrounding grassy area.

What Are the Pros & Cons? 

Lagoons do not require any particular type of soil, so they can be installed almost anywhere. However, they take more space and cost more to install, in part because drain field systems utilize the surrounding soil for much of the treatment. Also, the lagoon must be waterproof. Neither system requires much maintenance aside from pumping the septic tank regularly. 

For fast, affordable sewage lagoon installation, contact Earnest Well Drilling in Milford, NE. They have served clients in and around Seward County for more than 90 years. Along with lagoon installation, they also specialize in well drilling, well repair, and septic tank installation and inspection. Visit their website to message them online, or call (402) 761-2281 to schedule an appointment.