What is a POWTS?
POWTS is an acronym for a “private onsite wastewater treatment system” or what is sometimes referred to as a private sewage system. This would include various sewage treatment and disposal systems such as a holding tank, mound system, in-ground soil absorption system, at-grade system, pressure distribution system, drip-line effluent dispersal system, etc.
POWTS is an acronym for a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System. A more widely used term is septic system. It is intended to treat domestic wastewater. The most common onsite system used is a septic tank in combination with a traditional drain field. A properly designed, installed, and maintained system should operate for 20 to 40 years or more, treating wastewater to minimize the negative impact on groundwater, surface water, and human health. What is the reason for the State law? The state law is intended to protect the health and safety of Wisconsin residents and to protect the ground and surface waters of the state. It is important to make sure that wastewater or effluent from the septic system is being treated properly, and to identify septic systems when they are not functioning properly. If a failing septic system contaminates drinking water, it can affect many more people than just the owner of the septic system.
