Challenges With Onsite Treatment Systems at Assisted Living Homes

Adult foster homes provide assisted-living services — including nursing and 24/7 care — for individuals requiring special medical and behavioral needs. Wastewater from these homes and the corresponding effects on conventional onsite sewage treatment systems differs from average residential sources. Assisted living homes have reported various issues with their septic system operation and performance, including surface discharge of wastewater and premature system failure.A short-term study of six foster homes and one non-foster system (for comparison) was conducted, that included laboratory and field data. Several issues were observed that likely contribute to decreased septic system performance and operation at the properties.