What is the operating capacity of an OSS?

The operating capacity of an On-Site Sewage System (OSS) specifically refers to the average daily volume of sewage that the system can effectively treat and disperse. This measurement is crucial because it helps in determining whether the system can handle the wastewater generated by a household or establishment without causing backlogs or environmental contamination.

Understanding the average daily volume allows for proper sizing and design of the OSS to ensure it functions efficiently over its expected lifespan. If a system is designed based on insufficient capacity, it can lead to failures, such as overloading, which may cause untreated sewage to overflow or leach into the surrounding environment, posing health risks and violating regulations.

In contrast, the total amount of sewage that can be stored relates more to the tank's size rather than its operational treatment capability. The maximum design flow for new installations is a reference to the upper limits set during the design phase but doesn't reflect ongoing operational capacity. Likewise, the number of people served by the sewage system provides context about usage but is not the direct measure of the operational capacity itself. Thus, the correct option highlights the system's treatment and dispersal capabilities.