Electrolyzed Water and Septic Tanks (organic, properties, energy, cleaning)

[goldenage1]

I am interested in getting a bidet-type toilet seat, particularly the Toto S300e. It uses electrolyzed water to clean the bowl after use. From the research, this is just salt and water which activates the electrons to kill bacteria.

I believe that the Toto is a great device, but my question is: Would the electrolyzed water harm the bacteria in my septic tank?

[harry chickpea]

No more than the salt would. The energy level jump to make the chlorine gets used when the compound is made, and the energy level then goes back down to where it makes no difference.

[snofarmer]

Bacteria are an essential component of the septic system. These organisms partially digest theorganic matter that enters the septic tank and the solids “settle” in the septic tank, to be pumped out at a later time. Relatively clear water (effluent) is discharged from the septic tank to the soil
through a distribution system, commonly a drainfield or leach field. When using a water softener, the sodium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride-rich wastewater produced during the recharge process is discharged to your septic tank. These contaminants are not treated by the bacteria in the
septic tank and pass through to the drainfield. There is debate as to whether or not this “salty” wastewater is harmful to septic systems.

pro
The studies indicated that increased sodium
in the water was actually helpful to
the bacteria in the septic tank by stimulating
biological action in the tank, and did not hurt
the soil’s ability to absorb water in a normal
drainfield. The volume of softener backwash
during regeneration was easily within the
limits of what the septic tank could handle. In
fact, an automatic washer would pose a
greater threat to the septic tank than treted water
And, finally, the salt-rich effluent
thought to possibly interfere with soil
permeability in the drainfield might actually
improve soil percolation, particularly in fine
textured soils such as clay.

CON

View 2: Several studies and indicate that
homeowners should make every effort to
minimize the input of salts to their septic
systems. This includes, in addition to water
softeners, certain cleaning solutions and
household chemicals, which contain high
levels of sodium (drain opener, certain
laundry detergents). A lack of or excessive
amounts of salt will kill the beneficial bacteria
in the septic tank. Therefore, excess salt
concentrations in septic tank effluent can
have a detrimental effect on the sewage
treatment capabilities of the septic system.
Because the bacteria are reduced, untreated
sewage is released into the drainfield
reducing the effectiveness of the system and
increasing the need to have the septic tank
pumped. The regular addition of salt will
have this effect continuously over the life of
the septic system.
In addition, some experts believe that water
containing high concentrations of sodium is
potentially harmful to the water absorption
characteristics of soil. That is, high sodium
loading of septic tank effluent to a drainfield
will eventually make the soils impermeable
(non-absorbing) after prolonged use. This is an
important problem where the soils are
composed of clay minerals that shrink and
swell when dry and wet, respectively.
A report from the Department of Soil Science,
North Carolina University, suggests more
studies need to be conducted to assess water
softener impacts on the performance of septic
systems in different soil types. This includes
using potassium chloride instead of sodium
chloride in water softeners and determining
impacts on soil water absorption properties.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by snofarmer

There is debate as to whether or not this “salty” wastewater is harmful to septic systems.........
A report from the Department of Soil Science,
North Carolina University, suggests more
studies need to be conducted to assess water
softener impacts on the performance of septic
systems in different soil types.

Thanks for the detailed reply. My husband thinks the continued input of salt would be harmful to both the soil and the bacteria level. In addition, the salt is likely to corrode the concrete which the tank is made from.

Fortunately, Toto makes a model without the electrolyzed water feature. That's what I am leaning toward getting.

[snofarmer]

Anytime, we have a septic system also.

[harry chickpea]

pfah. In the amounts used, it is not an issue. If you think it might be, a source of magnesium, such as an occasional epsom salts soak in a tub would mitigate the effect. Fields that have too high a salt concentration are often recovered using such sources, or even ground up drywall, which is another source of the mineral.

Sounds like someone at the Department of Soil Science, North Carolina University is looking for grant money and not bothering to look up already published reports from places like Auburn U..