What is the best alternative septic system for high water tables?
A high water table occurs when groundwater is close to ground level. While heavy rain can cause groundwater to rise, there are other conditions that also lead to high water tables.
High water tables happen most often in:
- Coastal and shoreline regions
Groundwater stays high in coastal regions because the sea constantly refills aquifers. Storm surges and tides also contribute to high water tables.
- Floodplains and low-lying areas
Floodplains are found near streams and rivers. They are easily submerged because they are flat, which leads to high groundwater levels.
- Marshlands and wetlands
Marshes and wetlands naturally form in areas with water-saturated soil. They have dense vegetation that keeps water close to the surface, creating the perfect conditions for high water tables.
- Regions with heavy clay and impermeable soils
Clay soils drain slowly, causing water to stay near the surface for extended periods. This slow drainage leads to high water tables in areas where underlying soils or bedrock also limit infiltration.
- Areas with heavy rain or snow melt
Places with heavy rain or snow have more water entering the ground due to runoff or snowmelt, which raises the water table.
High water tables are common in coastal and shoreline regions.
Why is the Ecoflo compact biofilter the best septic system for high water tables?
Ecoflo compact biofilter on a riverside property with a high water table.
If you have a property with high groundwater, there is a good chance that a traditional septic system would struggle. In that case, you need to find an alternative system to treat your wastewater.
The Ecoflo compact biofilter, manufactured by Premier Tech Water and Environment, is ideal for high water tables because of the way it works and its compact, discreet design.
On properties with high groundwater, septic systems often need a raised drain field to provide enough soil for wastewater infiltration. This setup requires a separate pumping station to move wastewater from the septic tank or treatment components to the raised area, which increases the system’s overall size.
The Ecoflo compact biofilter solves this problem. If a pump is required, it can often be integrated directly in the Ecoflo tank, creating a compact system that is perfectly suited for high water tables.
No eyesores
On properties with high water tables, septic systems with raised drain fields don’t just take up more space — they also require a large, unsightly mound in your yard.
The Ecoflo septic system is different. Most treatment happens in the biofilter rather than the infiltration area. If a raised drain field is required, it will be significantly smaller than one used by other systems.
Ecoflo compact biofilter: if a pump is needed, it can be integrated directly in the tank to save space.
Flatbed biofilters are a popular option for properties with high water tables in Iowa.
These systems send measured doses of wastewater from your septic tank to a flatbed biofilter. Inside the biofilter, wastewater trickles through a synthetic filter that traps and removes contaminants. Effluent then percolates into an underlying drain field or gets pumped downstream for final dispersal.
Flatbed biofilters and the Ecoflo compact biofilter might seem similar because of their names. However, there are important differences in system design and long-term performance.
- Reliance on pumps
Flatbed biofilters need a pump to receive wastewater from your septic tank. These pumps require electricity. If you lose power or your system malfunctions, wastewater will stay in your septic tank or even back up into your home.
With the Ecoflo compact biofilter, gravity installations don’t use a pump, and no electricity is needed for treatment. The system works around the clock, even during power outages.
- Warranty
While Iowa’s leading flatbed biofilter has a warranty on its filter, that guarantee ends after 20 years.
By comparison, the Ecoflo compact biofilter has a 10-year filter warranty that resets each time you renew your filter. This extends your warranty indefinitely, ensuring your property is protected for years to come.
- Digital record-keeping
Flatbed manufacturers rely on third-party installers and maintenance providers to keep records of their systems. With different companies handling files in different ways, there is no guarantee you can retrieve information when you need it.
Premier Tech, the manufacturer of the Ecoflo compact biofilter, offers an online platform with all your system’s details in one place. This makes it easy to find records of your system’s installation date, maintenance history, and more.
Ecoflo compact biofilter: gravity installations use no pumps, and treatment is 100% electricity-free.
In New Jersey, aerobic treatment units are a popular choice for properties with high groundwater.
These systems are installed as a single unit that works in three steps. First, wastewater enters a pre-treatment chamber that removes solids and scum. It then flows into a treatment chamber, where air is pumped in to support bacteria that break down pollutants. Finally, it moves into a clarifying chamber, where remaining solids settle before effluent is sent to the drain field.
Aerobic treatment systems work well in theory, but when compared to the Ecoflo compact biofilter, they fall short on properties with high water tables for a few reasons.
- Reliance on power
Aerobic treatment units rely on electricity to treat wastewater. They cannot function during power failures, which are possible when storms hit New Jersey’s coastal areas. During these periods, untreated wastewater may build up in the tank or leak onto your property.
The Ecoflo compact biofilter is a zero-energy septic system. All wastewater that exits the system is treated according to regulations, preserving your groundwater and the surrounding environment.
- Ability to cope with flow increases
Aerobic treatment units come with a smaller septic tank than other systems. Because these tanks can handle only a limited amount of wastewater at a time, they are highly sensitive to sudden increases in flow. You might overwhelm your system if your water usage goes up, like during a party or when you host guests.
On the other hand, the Ecoflo compact biofilter can be installed with a variety of septic tank sizes that easily handle extra wastewater.
- Performance on seasonal properties
Aerobic treatment units use air pumps to sustain bacteria that treat wastewater. This creates a problem for installations serving secondary residences and cabins. If you turn off your power before you leave, the bacteria in your system will die and untreated wastewater may contaminate your property.
The Ecoflo compact biofilter is designed with seasonal properties in mind. Its coco filter maintains a humid environment, which allows bacteria to thrive even during extended periods of non-use.
Ecoflo compact biofilter: zero-energy treatment thanks to a non-mechanical tipping bucket that distributes wastewater over the coco filter.
