On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems The treatment plant in your backyard.

Overview Residents without access to public sewer systems rely on private wastewater treatment Most common septic systems have two main parts Septic tank Absorption field Properly designed, used, and maintained systems pose little threat to groundwater Over 25% of all U.S. homes and one in three new homes built in the U.S. use an on-site wastewater treatment system Septic system function Sewage flows into the tank, where the solids settle to the bottom, where they are broken down by bacteria and stored as sludge. Liquid portions of the sewage flow out of the tank and into the absorption field, where it is allowed to percolate into and naturally be treated in the soil. Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

Did You Know? Construction and maintenance Failing or poorly constructed septic systems can: Contaminate both surface and groundwater Force wastewater and pathogens to the soil surface Potentially make a water supply unsafe to drink Improperly sited, constructed, and maintained on-site wastewater systems can be a significant threat to drinking water quality. Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

Did You Know? Homeowner Care Homeowners are responsible for: Siting Construction Maintenance Use Proper siting and construction of a system is important. Doing it right the first time by hiring a qualified and experienced professional installer will likely save homeowners money in the long run. Proper use involved putting only appropriate wastes and amounts of liquid into the system Proper maintenance involves having the sludge pumped out of the tank regularly, usually every two to three years Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

What You Can Do Find out if you have an on-site wastewater treatment system. Learn about how your system works, including how proper care and maintenance can protect groundwater supplies. Keep a record of information about your system and update these records as information changes. Talk to your local health department if you are concerned about your system affecting your drinking water quality. Find out: what kind of system you have when it was installed when it was last pumped its location in proximity to wells Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

Contacts Insert local contact information The Groundwater Foundation P.O. Box 22558 Lincoln, NE 68542-2558 402-434-2740 www.groundwater.org Insert your local contact information. Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.