Which condition makes a sewage system unsafe?

• A. When sanitary sewage discharges to the surface of the ground
• B. When effluent seeps or discharges to the surface of the ground
• C. If the system is not maintained or not operated in accordance with the BCA or the regulations
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

A sewage system stays safe when it is kept up with and operated according to the BCA and the regulations. If that maintenance or proper operation is neglected, the system can fail and create real safety risks—from backups and odors to contamination of soil and groundwater and health hazards for people and the environment. The situations described—sanitary sewage appearing on the ground or effluent seeping to the surface—are examples of what can happen when maintenance or operation isn’t up to standard, but the fundamental reason they occur is the lack of proper maintenance or regulatory compliance. There is indeed a condition that makes the system unsafe, and it is the failure to maintain or operate the system as required.