What is another name for a septic field?

A septic field is commonly referred to as a drain field. This term describes the system's primary function, which is to drain effluent from the septic tank into the ground where it is naturally filtered by the soil. The design of a drain field allows for the effective treatment of wastewater by dispersing it over a large area, giving it the opportunity to percolate through the soil layers. This process helps to treat the effluent by removing pathogens and nutrients before the water reaches the groundwater.

While absorption field is also a valid term used interchangeably with drain field, the most widely recognized term in common usage and regulatory language is "drain field." This understanding is crucial for anyone working with septic systems, as it is essential for proper communication regarding septic system components and their functions. The other options listed do not pertain to typical terminology used in septic systems, as a retention pond is not connected to the function of a septic system, and the term source field does not apply in this context.