Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS)

Yes, it matters. To your health, to your family, to your home, to our water and to the community. Maintaining a healthy, functioning OWTS keeps you and your family safe from contaminated water and E. coli bacteria. Everyone downstream depends on clean, reliable water. Unmaintained OWTS can be disastrous when bacteria and other toxins leach out into our groundwater and streams through a poorly maintained system. Make sure to keep your OWTS maintained.

Our Mission is to Protect BCPH Mission Protect, promote and enhance the health and well-being of all people and the environment in Boulder County Strategic Goal Assure residents are empowered to make informed decisions and adopt behaviors that protect and enhance the health of individuals, families, communities, and the environment

OWTS In Boulder County ~14,300 Systems in Boulder County 1631 Unapproved Systems Improper construction and poor maintenance Groundwater contamination Undrinkable wells Impaired waterways

Operation & Maintenance Do’s & Don’ts Conserve water to avoid overloading the system Have your septic tank pumped regularly (2-4 years depending on use) Use substitutes for hazardous household chemicals Learn location of septic tank and drain field. Keep a sketch with your maintenance records for service visits Cover the drain field with native grasses to prevent erosion & to remove excess moisture Keep septic tank covers accessible for inspections and pumping Get your OWTS permitted and approved by BCPH Visit our website for more information: www.septicsmart.org

Operation & Maintenance Do’s & Don’ts Put dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, latex paint, pesticides or other hazardous chemicals in your OWTS. Use caustic drain openers for clogged drains. Instead use boiling water or a drain snake to open clogs. Allow vehicle or livestock traffic on your OWTS. This can compact the soil or damage the pipes, tank or other OWTS components. Plant anything over or near the drain field except grass. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage the drain lines. Dig in your drain field or build on top of it and don’t cover it with hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. Repair or replace your OWTS without obtaining the required permit. Use licensed OWTS contractors when repairs or services are needed. Visit our website for more information: www.septicsmart.org

Well Minimum of 4’ of Soil These additional slides are for illustrative purposes only, in the event that the dialogue with the audience involves more basic questions about how septic systems work and what to look for as “watch out” situations for proper system performance and maintenance.

Drinking Water Wells Regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources www.water.state.co.us For information on shock chlorination and/or laboratory testing please visit http://www.bouldercounty.org/env/water/pages/wells.aspx

Questions? Boulder County Public Health 3450 Broadway Ave Boulder CO, 80304 (303) 441-1564 www.septicsmart.org