Over the last couple of years we seem to have become obsessed with killing bacteria.  Both on us and on our clothes.  A recent study stated that 47% of people interviewed were concerned about bacteria on themselves and in the washing.

So what happens?  Detergent manufacturers have more and more produced products that kill 99.9% of all known bacteria.  Advertising campaigns during the Bird Flu campaign used this line to push products that do just this.  Just recently we have Vanish coming out with a additive for your washing machine that is said to kill 99.9% of all known bacteria in your clothes.

Our question, and one that does not seem to be answered, is what happens when these products go into your septic tank or sewage treatment system that rely on bacteria to do the work of cleaning up the sewage and producing clean water to discharge to the environment. 

Our company has tried to contact Vanish for an answer with no reply.  We are seeing more and more systems poisoned through the use of products poured down the drain that affect the bacteria in the system. 

If it says "Biocide" or "Kills 99.9% of Bacteria" on the can or box, do you really want it in your septic tank or sewage treatment system?  Simple answer is no!  There are many products that masquarade as safe products for a septic tank that do harm in aerobic sewage treatment systems.  They are designed to a European standard that allows for them to be broken down in the septic tank in 28 days.  This is of course no use in an aerobic treatment system where the product will pass completely through it in less than 2 days killing every bacteria on its way.

There are products that you really don't want anywhere near your system.  Blobs that you attach to the toilet, blocks that you toss in the top of your toilet, liquids that you squirt all around the rim of your toilet and now additives that you put in your washing machine.  Don't use them if you are on a septic tank or treatment system.  They will do more harm than good.