| The
biomat is a black tar-like substance made up
of organic material, microorganisms, and bacteria. As a drain
field matures the biomat grows along the walls and bottom of
the trench containing the drain field. The billions of living
organisms naturally occurring in the biomat act as a filter
for wastewater traveling through the drain field. While effluent
passes slowly through the biomat the bacteria living there act
as a filter digesting the organic matter before it passes into
the surrounding soil. When drain field soils flood, or the organic
balance is upset the biomat can grow into an impermeable barrier
causing water to back up into the septic tank and eventually
into the household plumbing. |
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