Georgia Residential Contractor Practice Exam

What determines the depth of absorption fields in sewage management?

1. Design of the sewage system

2. Soil conditions

3. Size of the property

4. Water table levels

The correct answer is: Soil conditions

The depth of absorption fields in sewage management is fundamentally influenced by soil conditions. Soil characteristics, such as texture, permeability, and structure, play a critical role in how well the soil can absorb and filter the effluent from the sewage system. For instance, sandy soils typically have higher permeability and may require shallower absorption fields, while clay soils, which are denser and less permeable, may necessitate deeper installations to ensure adequate absorption and prevent waterlogging. In addition to permeability, soil composition affects the rate at which water moves through it and how effectively contaminations are filtered out before the effluent reaches the groundwater. Assessing soil conditions is essential for the proper design and implementation of an absorption field that functions efficiently and complies with health regulations. Other factors, such as the design of the sewage system, size of the property, and water table levels, contribute to the overall planning and logistics of sewage management but are secondary to the soil's characteristics in determining the necessary depth for absorption fields.