How Septic Systems Impact Ground Water

The Septic System Groundwater Model demonstrates how septic systems can impact ground water. Constructed primarily of plexiglass, this model includes a cutaway of a miniature home with plumbing fixtures that empty into a septic tank, then into an absorption field. A lake, confining layer, artesian aquifer and pumping wells show the interaction of the septic system with the environment.

The "contaminants" can be introduced through the house plumbing fixtures or injected at three points within the aquifer. Water is introduced into the model using inverted quart jars at the ends of the model. Colored water, when injected with a syringe into the toilet, tub, or washing machine, shows how contaminants might move within a ground water system. A vacuum pump is used to "pump" water from the two wells; one well is in the unconfined aquifer, the other is in the artesian aquifer. Observation wells show the ground water flow patterns as the wells are pumped. The movement of "contaminants" toward a pumping well can be easily observed.

The model is shipped in its carrying case, completely packed and ready to operate with the necessary accessories, including a hand-operated vacuum pump, flask to receive "pumped" water, water supply bottle, syringes for injecting "pollutants," and an operator's manual.