What is the primary role of the leach field?

The primary role of the leach field, also known as the drain field, is to absorb and further treat effluent after it exits the septic tank. When wastewater flows from the septic tank into the leach field, it is distributed through a series of perforated pipes buried in gravel or sand. This design allows the effluent to percolate into the soil, where natural processes take place.

In the soil, microorganisms break down and treat the effluent, effectively filtering out harmful pathogens and nutrients. The leach field plays a crucial role in preventing water contamination and protecting public health by ensuring that treated effluent is safely returned to the groundwater system. Thus, its primary function is to complete the wastewater treatment process initiated in the septic tank by providing additional treatment and absorption in a natural environment.