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Comprehensive Plan Sanitary Sewer Sub -Element • a wet season water table of less than 10inches as described in the USDA Soil Survey; the presence of restrictive low permeable soil strata; • platted or recorded parcels less than 11/2 acre; and • setbacks from surface waters and/or wells. The areas of the county having "Excessively Drained Soils" and "Moderately Drained Soils" are better suited for septic systems. As shown on Figure 3.E.1 of the Stormwater Management Sub - Element, even these two soil types have limitations with respect to septic system suitability. While moderately drained soils have a severe limitation rating for septic system suitability, excessively drained soils percolate so rapidly that they provide very poor filtration. Septic systems on these soils have a potential for causing groundwater contamination. Areas of excessively drained soils in Indian River County are typically adjacent to waterbodies including canals, St. Sebastian River, and the Indian River Lagoon. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) establishes the rules for septic system permitting.. During the wet season, June through October, the water table in much of the county is less than 10 inches below the existing natural grade. Therefore, fill material is often placed on top of existing soil creating a mound to achieve the required 24 inch separation between the bottom of the drainfield and the wet season water table. This fill material, which provides the depth necessary for the proper operation of the septic system, typically contains slightly limited soils that treat effluent discharged into the drainfield. The DOH has determined that the average life of a residential septic system (including drainfield) is 19 years and that of a commercial system is 10 years. Routine maintenance and proper use can extend the life of a septic system. When septic systems are repaired, the DOH allows for a drainfield replacement according to the rules in place at the time of original construction. Most repairs for parcels developed prior to 1983 are permitted with only a 6 inch separation between the bottom of the drainfield and the wet season water table rather than 24 inches. In low density areas with adequate soils where septic systems are appropriate, there can still be problems if septic systems are not maintained. Generally, septic tanks need to be pumped every 3 to 5 years. While there are private septic tank service companies which pump septic tanks and haul away septage, it is the septic tank owner who is responsible for initiating maintenance activities. Improperly maintained septic systems can cause a system failure and a sanitary nuisance often requiring a repair of the septic system. Besides soil and groundwater conditions, adverse impacts may arise due to inadequate separation between septic system drainfields and wells or waterbodies. Without adequate Community Development Department Indian River County 20 Attaciffient 4