Well Water

[jjohnwm]

D deeda , it sounds like you have a modernized version of the system we have, described locally as an ejector system. We also discharge the more-or-less clear water into a field, so the system is pretty much maintenance-free and has an unlimited life. It's actually no longer legal to build new homes with this system but the older ones are grandfathered. It is worlds ahead of the old septic bed systems from an ownership standpoint.

This never would have been legal back in Ontario, but Manitoba is a little more free'n'easy about...almost everything. In Ontario, whenever you are relaxed, having fun, not spending money, don't have a permit, and minding your own business...you are almost certainly breaking multiple laws.

 

[duanes]

I will just mention one other thing that nobody seems to think of: your septic system. A septic field has a limited useable life, after which it clogs and requires very expensive work. The less water you flush down your drains and through your septic field, the longer your field will last, so it is important that you arrange for other ways to dispose of your used tank water when doing water changes. If your fish room is above grade, you can siphon out a window and direct the water to flower beds, gardens, etc. With a basement fishroom, use a pump to exhaust the water to a similar location outdoors. In either case, do not drain large amounts of aquarium water into your septic system. The old fish water is perfect for watering plants for the same reason that it is bad for your tank, i.e. it is loaded with nutrients. Also, using it this way reduces the strain on your well and pump since you won't be drawing new water for the plants.

I also try to use water twice.
When in the US I had semi permanent plumbing that sent water changes automatically to my garden or lawn, by simply turning a valve and rerouting water outside, instead of to a sump.
Doing a significant water change on 20 tanks took only a few moments.

Now in the tropics (and a septic system) , drip water changes on 300 gallons of tanks, send old water to my private jungle, of a banana tree, passionfruit vines, and others with little effort, and helps with water conservation, here, where water can at times, be much more scarce.