If a site does not have an existing sewer system, what is the recommended solution according to the National Plumbing Code?

The recommended solution according to the National Plumbing Code for a site without an existing sewer system is to provide a septic tank. Septic tanks are a type of onsite wastewater treatment system designed to manage and treat sewage and gray water in areas where centralized sewer systems are not available. They work by allowing solids to settle at the bottom while biological processes break down organic material, thereby treating the waste before it is released into a drain field or leach field, promoting safe soil absorption.

Implementing a septic tank is essential because it ensures waste is handled in a manner that protects public health and the environment. Additionally, it prevents contamination of surface and groundwater, which could occur if untreated waste were to be disposed of improperly, such as in a field or river. Using a septic tank offers a responsible and regulated approach to waste management that aligns with public health standards.