Aerobic Treatment System Issues - Sprinkler heads continually leaking

If you have a downgrade to sprinklers then there might be enough water weight (pressure) in the line to leak very slowly past the head. Sprinklers aren’t designed to seal with constant low pressure as you describe. Pretty common problem in hilly areas. Sounds like you already figured out what the problem is.

You might need to install a check valve in the line. They just provide 2-3 psi checks and are easily overcome when the pump kicks on. Sprinklers will work exactly as before but you won’t have the seepage you talk about.

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2 of the system’s 3 heads continually leak which has created “bog” spots in my yard. My soil is loam and clay so it has poor drainage. Should these sprinkler heads be leaking without pump pressure? The heads are downgrade from the cistern.

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Is this a new problem? If so, it is probably debris related.

If it has always been an issue or if you are concerned about head pressure due to the downgrade, you may want a check as suggested by other posters. You get about 1 PSI per 28 inches of height differential from the cistern to the sprinkler head. An easy rule of thumb for calcs is to figure 1 pound for every 2 feet.

Here are a few links that might be helpful.

https://www.hunterindustries.com/support/why-does-my-sprinkler-leak-water-when-system-turned

https://www.hydroscape.com/training-and-events/irrigation-troubleshooting/wet-spots-slow-leakage-sprinklers-system-off/

https://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/DIY-Wet-Spots-Irrigation-Leaks-s/6323.htm