Alternative Septic Systems

For off grid living, real estate prospectors need to consider alternative septic systems that will help them remove wastewater from the home without contaminating drinking water in the area. There are several types of alternative septic systems that you might consider when you find the right plot of acreage for sale. You should contact county or city officials in the area before you purchase any land for sale, though, to make sure you can legally install the type of septic system that you prefer.

Alternative Septic Systems  -- Choosing the Right Amount of Acreage for Sale 

When it comes to off grid living, alternative septic systems can take up quite a bit of space. Not only do you need room for the system, but you also need to keep it separated from your drinking water supply to make sure clean water does not get contaminated. As a result, you should look for acreage for sale that will give you plenty of space to install the alternative septic system of your choice without jeopardizing the health of your potable water source.

Types of Alternative Septic Systems

You should consider researching different types of alternative septic systems to help you decide which one is best for the land you purchase.

Alternative Septic Systems -- Septic Media Filter Systems

A septic media filter systems filters waste from water by running it through filters made of materials like foam cubes, sand, gravel or peat. The processed water is then discharged into surface soil or local waterways.

Alternative Septic Systems for Off Grid Living -- Aerobic Septic Systems

Aerobic treatment systems add oxygen to wastewater to encourage the production of bacteria that will eliminate harmful materials in the water. If you purchase undeveloped land for sale and install one of these alternative septic systems, then you will need to make sure that you can construct an aeration device that will bring more oxygen to the wastewater being held underground.

Off Grid Living -- Greywater Septic Systems

Living off the grid might include finding ways to separate sewage water and water that has been used for activities like bathing or washing clothes. This type of water is called greywater. It is not exactly clean, but it does not contain contaminants like sewage either.

Some alternative septic systems store greywater so that it can be used in other ways. Those who choose this option often use composting toilets so they do not have to worry about sewage contaminating the water. This completely removes the sewage from the septic and potable water systems.

Tips for Installing Alternative Septic Systems

Before you settle on a parcel of acreage for sale, you should have the soil tested to help you determine which type of alternative septic system will work best in that specific location. Septic media filter systems often encourage healthy off grid living when the soil is strong enough to tolerate the remaining contaminates that exit the system. If your prospective lot of land for sale needs some rehabilitation, though, you might choose aerobic, greywater or other types of alternative septic systems.

Remember that it is important to choose land for sale that gives you enough space for a septic system that allows off grid living. Cramped spaces could lead to contaminated drinking water, which poses serious health risks for anyone living in the home.