Public Confidence in Onsite Systems Requires Field Testing and Field Standards for Performance.

Although many modern, advanced systems for the treatment of onsite wastewater have passed test center standards, they struggle or fail in the field. This is due to the fact that actual onsite conditions (i.e. waste strength, wastewater temperature, daily flow patterns, etc.) are considerably different than test center conditions. NSF Standard 40 or 245 testing provides relative data based on a limited, standardized range of input characteristics over a short period of time; it does not provide data or adjustment factors relative to actual field performance capabilities. The current high rate of system failures proves that. So, while the standard may be capable of establishing a comparative benchmark between treatment systems or the ability of a system to achieve target effluent quality, a Field Verification standard is needed to establish data and information relative to the sustainability of a system under actual field conditions and its ability to substantially meet local discharge requirements. A Field Verification standard is the only way to truly enhance and complete test-center testing to reflect realistic conditions and to establish the long-term sustainability of onsite systems. Thus, test center testing would be followed by long-term jurisdictional field testing and performance audits that include 1) the sampling of key performance indicators such as turbidity, pH, DO, sludge, scum, and settle-able solids during regular service visits, in addition to verification of mechanical functionality; 2) mandatory random field audits to verify performance as a condition of maintaining approval status; and 3) online record-keeping for regulator review.