The answer to the above question will vary depending on the state or location within the United States. States in the United States are known to have varying regulations when it comes to RV sites and septic tanks.
Owing to that, there is no general answer to the above question. Everywhere in the United States, septic tanks are considered a very valid component of any RV site that lacks access to municipal sewer systems. These facilities are tasked with collecting and treating wastewater from RVs as well as other on-site sources.
The sole aim of the septic system used by RV sites is to help keep the environment safe since it offers safer options for the dumping of RV holding tanks.
Although these facilities are meant for RVs, boats that have bathroom facilities tend to leverage them as well. The septic tank works to “digest” or break down organic matter as well as separate those that float from the ones that sink.
Have it in mind that in recent times, a good number of RV dump stations have been closed down due to mistreatment and abuse of the facilities by the users.
Most often, the number of RV sites per septic tank will be determined by the capacity of the septic tank or system. It simply means that a septic tank with the ability to handle 4 RV sites can do so without any legal restrictions. The capacity of a septic tank in turn will be decided by the tank’s size and many utter valid variables.
Howbeit, to ensure you do not overburden the septic system and get on the wrong side of the law, it is recommended you carry out a per-site wastewater generation calculation.
A per-site wastewater generation calculation helps to determine the volume of sewage and wastewater each RV site is likely to produce and the result is used to work out the capacity of the tank.
For a septic tank meant for RV sites, factors such as the number of RVs each site will shelter as well as the water usage of each RV will have to be taken into consideration.
Also don’t forget to multiply your Minimum Population (P) by 150 to ascertain the daily estimated wastewater production.
Factors to Consider When Deciding the Capacity of an RV Site Septic System
You have to first understand that the use of septic tanks is subject to numerous regulations and while these regulations might differ from one location to another, they are meant primarily to protect the public and the environment.
However, one thing necessary when looking to understand the number of RV sites per septic tank is the capacity of your tank. Note that to decide the capacity of your tank, here are the necessary factors to consider:
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Tank size
This is without doubt one of the critical factors that will dictate the ability of your tank to cater to the number of sites you have.
Truth be told, there are different sizes of tanks in the market, and the choice you make here will impact the capacity of the tank and your system.
In most places in the United States, government regulations tend to specify the minimum allowable septic tank size. Nevertheless, the minimum permitted tank size for new septic installations in most places in the United States is around 1000 gallons.
Special site considerations designed by a septic engineer may become necessary before local health departments can approve an installation.
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Usage patterns
This is another critical factor that will decide the capacity of your septic tank. Have it in mind that the frequency and duration of RV trips will have a massive impact on the capacity of your overall septic system.
In a typical RV site, attendance will be determined by seasonal patterns and the days of the week. Normally weekends will bring in more campers when compared to weekdays. Also note that summers will mean good business especially when compared to the number of visitors you have during winter.
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Maintenance and Cleaning
Also, note that how you take care of your tanks and systems will impact their capacity. Aside from that, RV sites’ septic systems must be monitored and taken care of all year round to avoid pollution and messy accidents.
It is recommended that you leverage shock treatment to enhance the efficiency of the septic tank. This most often includes the usage of biological additives that will work to restock the bacteria colony in the tank.
Have in mind that using chemical additives will damage the system not only by destroying the healthy bacteria but also by damaging the walls of the tank and pipes.
Conclusion
States in the United States are known to have varying regulations when it comes to RV sites and septic tanks. Owing to that, there is no general answer to the number of sites per septic tank allowed by law.
Note that most often the capacity of a septic tank will be decided by the tank’s size, its usage partner, as well as how you maintain the tanks and systems.
To ensure you do not overburden the septic system and get on the wrong side of the law, it is recommended you carry out a per-site wastewater generation calculation.