What is a common consequence of not maintaining a septic system?

Not maintaining a septic system can lead to serious issues, one of which is groundwater contamination. When a septic system is not properly maintained, it may become clogged or start to fail, resulting in the discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater into the surrounding soil and groundwater. This can introduce harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, into the groundwater, potentially affecting drinking water sources and harming the local ecosystem.

Groundwater contamination poses health risks to humans and wildlife and can lead to long-term environmental degradation, making maintenance of septic systems crucial for public health and environmental protection. Regular inspections, pumping, and proper care can help avoid such dire consequences.