Answers
Are "stripes" in the lawn over the septic system a problem? How can I get rid of the stripes?
Turfgrass color over the soil absorption field is an indicator of how the septic system is performing.
If the grass over the soil absorption field trenches is brown during dry periods or warmer months while the rest of the lawn is green, then your septic system is operating as designed. Periodically watering the brown area often restores the green color. However, do not add fertilizer or an excess amount of water to the turf above your soil absorption field because it could increase the chances of overloading, groundwater contamination, and septic system failure.
If the grass over the soil absorption field trenches is greener that the rest of the lawn, this may indicate that the wastewater level in the trenches is high, and your system may be hydraulically overloaded. Contact a septic system professional to evaluate the system and determine the problem.
For more information, see Purdue Extension publication HENV-3-W, Turfgrass Color: Indicator of Septic System Performance.
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