The University of Minnesota’s Onsite Sewage Treatment Program (OSTP) conducted a brief assessment of three distinct types of commercial distilled spirits sold at liquor stores across the United States to understand how these types of products can impact the wastewater characteristics of restaurants, bars and distillery tasting rooms. The products chosen for this study are spirits that are commonly consumed and therefore some portions of the drinks may be discharged into the system.
Results show that these beverages will affect the waste strength of influent at commercial facilities serving or selling these types or similar beverages. How much impact will depend on the amount and type of beverages. Evaluating the establishment to determine the equipment they currently use and their management practices should be done during system design and when managing a facility served with a septic system. All existing systems should be sampled to determine wastewater characteristics.