Septic system hydraulically overloaded;

Septic tank full of sludge or scum

Failed to pump out system at recommended frequency;

Soil absorption system compacted;

Improper absorption field vegetative cover;

Flushed chemicals or material down the drain;

Pump failed;

Soil absorption pipes clogged;

Piping or other system components clogged; and

Improper design or installation.

Sewage surfacing above the absorption field;

Odors of sewage around yard;

Pump alarms;

Sinks and toilets drain slowly;

Excessively green grass over portions of the absorption field;

Sewage backing up in house;

Sewage odors in house;

Contaminated drinking water in wells near absorption field; and

Contaminated surface waters downstream of house.

Drinking water can contain excess nutrients or pathogens which would pose a serious health problem to humans drinking the water;

Sewage on the ground would pose a serious public health danger because exposure could cause human disease to those exposed, especially children;

Nearby lakes, streams, ponds or the ocean would have excess pathogens that could cause human disease to those exposed to the water;

Fish caught from nearby waters exposed to contamination could carry diseases and create a public health problem if eaten; and

Nearby surface waters would have excess nutrients that could cause algae, fish kills, and other undesirable aesthetic effects.