When is the installation of a reserve area necessary?

The installation of a reserve area is necessary primarily when the existing septic system fails. A reserve area, also referred to as a reserve leach field or replacement area, is designated land that can be utilized for the installation of a new septic system if the current one becomes inoperable. This is a crucial practice in septic system management as it ensures that there is a backup option readily available to maintain safe and sustainable wastewater management.

Having a reserve area mitigates public health risks that could arise from system failure, ensuring that the property can continue to function normally without contamination to the surrounding environment. It provides a proactive approach to septic system maintenance and planning, which is essential for areas where ground conditions or other factors could lead to system failures over time.

Soil testing being complete does not automatically necessitate the designation of a reserve area; it only indicates that the land can support a septic system. Similarly, having septic systems already installed does not directly relate to the need for a reserve area unless one of those systems fails. Lastly, the status of the property being for sale does not necessitate a reserve area unless an existing system has identified deficiencies or risks of failure.