Why Does My Yard Feel Wet or Spongy Near the Septic Field?

1. Your Drain Field Is Failing

Your drain field is designed to filter wastewater into the soil. If the field becomes clogged, compacted, or oversaturated, wastewater can pool on the surface instead of soaking into the ground.

Signs of a failing drain field:

• Wet, soggy, or mushy ground over the septic field

• A strong sewage smell near the area

• Toilets and drains backing up inside the home

• Grass growing faster and greener than the surrounding area

🔹 Solution: A septic professional can inspect your drain field to determine if it can be repaired or if a replacement is needed. In some cases, a mound system or alternative septic design may be required, especially in areas with poor drainage or high water tables.

2. The Soil Is Too Saturated

If your property has clay-heavy soil (common in parts of Strathcona County and Parkland County), it may not drain wastewater properly. When the soil becomes too compacted, water has nowhere to go, causing puddles or wet spots to form over the drain field.

🔹 Solution: If poor drainage is the issue, solutions might include:

• Aerating the soil to improve absorption

• Installing a sand or gravel bed to help with filtration

• Upgrading to a mound system if the existing field isn’t working

A professional site and soil evaluation can determine the best fix for your property.

3. The Drain Field Pipes Are Clogged or Broken

Over time, solids, grease, and other debris can clog the pipes in your drain field, preventing water from flowing properly. Tree roots can also invade pipes, leading to blockages or pipe damage. If the system can’t properly disperse wastewater, it pools near the surface, making the ground feel wet.

🔹 Solution: A septic professional can inspect your system with a camera scope or other tools to check for clogs, root intrusion, or broken pipes. Depending on the severity, they may recommend:

• Jetting or flushing the pipes to remove minor clogs

• Replacing damaged sections of the drain field

• Relocating the drain field if tree roots are a persistent issue

4. High Water Table or Seasonal Flooding

In areas with high groundwater levels, such as parts of Lac Ste. Anne County and Sturgeon County, seasonal flooding can oversaturate the drain field, preventing wastewater from soaking into the soil. This can lead to standing water, slow drainage, and even contaminated well water if the system isn’t functioning properly.

🔹 Solution:

• If seasonal flooding is a problem, a mound system or alternative drain field design may be necessary to keep wastewater above the water table.

• Proper grading and drainage improvements around your property can also help prevent excess water buildup near your septic field.