EM•1® for Septic Systems
Looking for guidance specific to your system — residential, commercial, or a grease trap program? Contact our technical team.
This page covers residential and small commercial septic system applications using EM•1® Septic Treatment. For municipal wastewater, industrial effluent, and large-scale treatment systems, see EM•1® for Wastewater.
A septic system's biological activity is supported by the microorganisms that break down organic matter entering the system. EM•1® Septic Treatment, manufactured by EMRO USA under authorization from EM Research Organization, Inc. (Japan), is used by homeowners and property managers as part of routine septic maintenance. Contact EMRO USA for program guidance.
What EM•1® Septic Treatment Is
EM•1® Septic Treatment is a liquid co-culture of naturally occurring microorganisms — lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and photosynthetic bacteria — stabilized through a fermentation process developed by EM Research Organization, Inc. (Japan). These are naturally occurring microorganisms, not genetically modified or chemically synthesized. Read more about what EM Technology® is and how it works.
Where It's Applied
EM•1® Septic Treatment is applied directly through fixtures connected to your septic system, as part of routine maintenance:
Toilets
The primary application point for reaching the septic tank directly.
Kitchen sinks & drains
Applied as part of routine kitchen drain maintenance.
Bathroom sinks, showers & floor drains
Applied as part of routine drain network maintenance.
Grease traps (commercial)
Applied as part of routine commercial kitchen maintenance.
Lift stations & pump chambers
Applied as part of routine maintenance at these points.
Application frequency and program design vary by system type and size — contact EMRO USA for guidance specific to your system.
Published Research
A laboratory study conducted at the Department of Biotechnology, Sathyabama University (Chennai, India) evaluated EM for treatment of domestic sewage under controlled conditions over a 20-day period.
Study scope and limitations
Changes in measured water-quality parameters (pH, alkalinity, BOD, COD, total dissolved solids) were observed under the laboratory conditions used in this study, over a 20-day period, alongside increases in beneficial heterotrophic bacteria and yeast populations. This laboratory study was not designed to establish expected field performance in residential or commercial septic systems.
Citation: Namsivayam SKR, Narendrakumar G, Kumar JA. Evaluation of Effective Microorganism (EM) for treatment of domestic sewage. Journal of Experimental Sciences. 2011;2(7):30-32. ISSN: 2218-1768.
Documented Case Study: Gushikawa City Library, Okinawa
In 1991, the Gushikawa City Library in Okinawa, Japan installed an EM-based sewage treatment system recycling treated water for general building use, serving approximately 160 people.
Site-specific observations
This installation was a custom-designed sewage treatment and water recycling system and should not be considered representative of residential or commercial septic systems. Observations reported at this site were specific to its design, operation, maintenance program, and local conditions.
Monthly government water quality testing at this installation has measured BOD below 3 parts per million, against a discharge standard of 20 ppm. Site operators also reported water cost reductions through recycling, reduced electricity use for aeration, and that no sludge removal had been necessary as of five years into the program. Ask our technical team for more detail on this case study.
Septic System Maintenance Disclaimer
Maintenance is your responsibility
EM•1® Septic Treatment is not a substitute for proper system design, inspection, pumping, repair, or maintenance. Property owners and operators remain responsible for maintaining their systems in accordance with local requirements and manufacturer recommendations.
Certified Organic Operations
A note on organic compliance
EM•1® is OMRI Listed® for specified uses. Operations under organic certification should verify product use with their certifying agent before use.
"EMRO USA is the sole authorized manufacturer of EM Technology® products in the United States and Canada, operating under direct agreement with EM Research Organization, Inc. (Japan)."
Related EM Technology® Applications
EM•1® for Wastewater
Municipal, industrial, and large-scale effluent management.
EM•1® for Composting
Organic waste stream composting.
EM•1® for Livestock
Farm-scale waste and effluent management.
EM•1® for Agriculture
An overview of EM•1® across commercial crop production.
What Is EM Technology®?
The science behind Effective Microorganisms®.
Our Certifications
USDA Organic, OMRI Listed®, and more.
Questions About Your System?
Whether you manage a residential septic tank, a commercial grease trap, or a small-scale sewage system, our technical team can talk through how EM•1® Septic Treatment fits into your maintenance routine.
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EM®, Effective Microorganisms®, EM Technology®, and EM•1® are trademarks of EM Research Organization, Inc. (Japan) and/or EMRO USA, Inc. OMRI Listed® is a registered trademark of the Organic Materials Review Institute.