Regular maintenance is one of the keys to a properly functioning septic system. For conventional septic system owners, regular maintenance is as simple as cleaning the effluent filter a few times a year and having the septic tank pumped every few years. But for homeowners with Advanced Treatment Systems (often called aerobic septic systems or ATU systems), regular maintenance is more detail-oriented and a job best left to professionals.

Bernalillo County Natural Resource Services requires all advanced treatment systems to have ongoing maintenance events with a certified maintenance provider. This ongoing maintenance and monitoring must occur semi-annually at a minimum. Septic systems must be monitored for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, sludge depth, other parameters recommended by the manufacturer, as well as sampling if the system does not conform to the manufacturer’s guidelines, a lack of established manufacturer’s field parameters, or if the system has been determined to not be operating properly. The electrical components are also checked during these maintenance events to ensure that mechanical and electrical components of the aerators are functioning properly. Please have your septic system regularly inspected and maintained.