What effect do high water levels in soil have on septic systems?

High water levels in soil significantly impact the functioning of septic systems. When the soil is saturated with water, its ability to absorb effluent diminishes. This is because the spaces between soil particles, which typically allow for the movement and filtering of wastewater, become filled with water, leaving less room for liquid waste from the septic system to infiltrate. This reduction in absorption can lead to effluent pooling at the surface, which can cause system failures and environmental contamination.

The other options do not accurately reflect the impact of high water levels. Better effluent absorption cannot occur if the soil is already saturated; improving drainage conditions would not be possible under such circumstances; and while high water levels can increase the risk of overflows, the primary issue remains the reduced absorption capacity of the soil. Understanding this relationship is crucial for proper septic system management and environmental protection.