Despite the best of care, some systems may malfunction. If your onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) should back up into the dwelling or leak from the absorption bed, contact Jefferson County Public Health at 303-271-5700 immediately. We can advise you on procedures to repair the system.
In normal amounts, household chemicals should not affect the proper functioning of your OWTS. Additives that claim to improve the operation of the system will probably not cause any harm, but they are not needed to assure proper operation of the system. Beware of any claims that a chemical additive will "rejuvenate" the system or make it "as good as new." Common baking soda, however, may lessen any odors from the tank and, if necessary, may be added for this reason.