What is a possible consequence of a septic tank sitting in a high water table?

A septic tank located in a high water table area can experience significant issues due to the buoyancy of the tank. When the water table is elevated, the hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding saturated soil can cause the tank to tilt or even float. This floating occurs because the tank does not have enough weight to counteract the upward force of the water in the saturated soil surrounding it. If a septic tank floats, not only can it become misaligned, but this can also lead to damage of the structure itself, creating potential for sewage leaks and contamination of the surrounding area, which poses health and environmental risks.

In contrast, while overflowing, cracking, or clogging are potential issues faced by septic systems, these do not specifically highlight the primary concern associated with a high water table situation, which is directly related to the buoyancy effects on the tank.