human
What is a "septic tank" and why is it important?
assistant
A septic tank is an underground wastewater treatment system that separates solid waste from liquid waste. It is designed to filter out impurities, such as food scraps, grease, and oil, which can cause the tank to become clogged and overflow. This prevents untreated wastewater from entering nearby waterways or groundwater. The treated wastewater is then released into the ground through a pipe network, where bacteria break down the contaminants in the soil.