Septic System Secrets: The Best Option for Your Acreage Revealed!

Choosing the Right Septic System for Your Acreage Development

If you're developing an acreage in Parkland County, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right septic system. Not all land is created equal, and your soil, water table, and property layout will determine which type of system is most effective.

Septic systems aren’t just about waste disposal—they’re about protecting your land, preventing costly drainage issues, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Without the right system, you could face problems such as groundwater contamination, erosion, or system failure that could cost thousands to fix.

So, how do you choose the best septic system for your acreage? Let’s break down the three most common types:

• Treatment Fields (for sites with suitable soils that meet required depth and permeability conditions)

• Mound Systems (for sites with high water tables, limited soil depth, or restrictive soil layers)

• At-Grade Systems (for forested sites with an LFH layer and a secondary treatment unit, required to meet effluent quality standards)

1. Treatment Fields – The Standard Choice for Suitable Soil Conditions

A treatment field (also called a drain field or leach field) is the most common type of septic system. It naturally filters wastewater through the soil, allowing bacteria to break down contaminants before the water safely re-enters the environment.

✅ Best for:

• ✔ Sites where soil conditions meet regulatory depth and permeability requirements

• ✔ Acreages with low groundwater tables

🚫 Not suitable for:

• ❌ Sites where natural soil conditions are insufficient for a conventional treatment field

• ❌ Areas with restrictive soil layers or high water tables

💡 How it works:

• Wastewater flows from the septic tank into a series of trenches with piping, distributing effluent evenly.

• Soil and bacteria filter and break down contaminants before water reaches groundwater.

• Cleaned water returns to the environment without pollution risks.

If your site doesn’t meet soil depth or permeability regulations, a mound system may be required instead.

2. Mound Systems – The Solution for High Water Tables or Poor Soil Conditions

If your acreage has clay-heavy soil, a high water table, or restrictive layers, a treatment mound is often the best solution. Mounds elevate the septic system above the natural ground, providing the necessary space for wastewater treatment.

✅ Best for:

✔ Areas with a high water table (less than required depth of suitable soil below the trench)

✔ Sites where natural soil conditions don’t allow for a conventional treatment field

✔ Sloped properties that need even effluent distribution

🚫 Not suitable for:

❌ Small lots (mounds require a large footprint)

❌ Flat sites where water could pool around the mound

💡 How it works:

• A mound system is built above the natural soil, using layers of sand and gravel to enhance filtration.

• Wastewater is pumped through a pressure distribution system, ensuring even treatment.

• Effluent percolates through the treatment media before entering the environment.

Mound systems cost more and require more maintenance, but they prevent contamination in areas where a standard treatment field would fail. If your soil conditions don’t meet conventional field requirements, a mound system is a reliable alternative.

3. At-Grade Systems – A Smart Choice for Forested Properties (Requires a Treatment Unit, Not a Standard Septic Tank!)

If your acreage is heavily forested, an LFH At-Grade system may be the ideal choice. Unlike traditional septic systems, this method does not require deep soil trenches—instead, effluent is treated and distributed across the natural forest floor.

✅ Best for:

✔ Properties with an LFH (Leaf, Fibric, Humic) soil layer

✔ Forested areas where disturbing the soil isn’t ideal

✔ Acreages that require minimal excavation

🚫 Not suitable for:

❌ Open fields or non-forested land

❌ Areas where effluent could flow outside of the designated infiltration area

💡 How it works:

• Effluent is first processed in a secondary treatment unit, which removes organic matter before distribution.

• The treated effluent is pumped and sprayed over the forest floor via a pressure distribution system.

• A bark mulch layer covers the system, helping to retain moisture and prevent freezing.

• The natural organic material and soil act as filters, ensuring safe groundwater infiltration.

At-Grade systems are environmentally friendly and preserve natural landscapes, but they require a specialized design and ongoing maintenance. Most importantly, they require a secondary treatment unit—not a standard septic tank.

How Prairie Acre Developments Can Help

At Prairie Acre Developments, we understand that choosing the right septic system can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer expert guidance, site evaluations, and customized solutions for acreage owners.

🚜 Our services include:✔ Septic planning & design – Ensuring your system meets all local regulations✔ Septic installation & maintenance – Reliable service from start to finish✔ Acreage development consulting – Helping you maximize your property’s potential

Choosing the Right System for Your Acreage

Site Condition	Best Septic System
Meets soil depth & permeability regulations	Treatment Field
High water table or restrictive soil	Mound System
Forested land with organic soil (Requires treatment unit)	At-Grade System
Open field (no trees)	Treatment Field or Mound

Contact Us Today for Expert Advice!

The right septic system will save you money, prevent future problems, and protect your property’s value. Don’t risk choosing the wrong solution—let our experts guide you.

📞 Call Prairie Acre Developments today for a FREE consultation!🌐 Visit our website to learn more!📩 Book your on-site evaluation now!