Protecting Water Quality: Wells and Septic Systems Developed by: Susan Donaldson University of Nevada Cooperative Extension UNCE, Reno, NV

This session will cover: Watersheds and water pollution How wells work How septic systems work Protecting well water supplies Is my drinking water safe?

Water cycle: one of the oldest “recycling” schemes in nature.

UNCE, Reno, NV Ground water

Wells DNRC, MT

We’re all part of a watershed And we all live downstream

A. Miller

Water pollution ….. Affects groundwater Drinking water Affects surface water Recreational uses Fisheries Irrigation and other agricultural uses

Sources: failing septic systems, animal waste, marine sanitation devices Pathogens UNCE, Reno, NV

Sources: industrial, commercial, household and agricultural chemicals, auto emissions Chemicals

USDA NRCS Sources: road sand, construction sites, agricultural fields, disturbed areas Sediment (dirt)

UNCE, Reno, NV Sources: animal waste, fertilizers, septic systems, auto emissions Nutrients

How can I protect my well water supply? Consider: Location Construction Condition UNCE, Reno, NV Can you find the wellhead?

Well protection DNRC, MT

Well construction makes a big difference in protecting your water. Wells over 50 years old may not be deep enough or properly sealed. Hire a qualified well driller or repair company to inspect these wells. DNRC, MT

Adapted from Clark Conservation District, MT There should be antibackflow devices in place to prevent the flow of contaminated fluids into the ground water. Keep good records of all well inspections, repairs and water testing.

DNRC, MT Well separation distances DNRC, MT

Don’t do this! Fence your well out of your pasture or holding area. UNCE, Reno, NV

Who protects my drinking water? The Safe Drinking Water Act, first created in 1974, is the main federal law that regulates drinking water provided by municipal water suppliers The EPA sets standards and oversees water suppliers Ensuring safe water from private wells is the responsibility of the homeowner

How do I know if my water is safe to drink? Water testing ensures that your water is safe. Don’t depend on your neighbor’s water analysis, because even wells that are close together may draw water from separate aquifers.

Be part of the pollution solution Repair oil leaks promptly Recycle motor oil at drop-off centers Apply pesticides carefully ONLY after pests have been identified, the correct product chosen, and the label read Store and dispose of hazardous materials properly Keep chemicals away from your well

Be part of the pollution solution Maintain your septic system in good condition and pump regularly Manage animal wastes properly Maintain a protection zone around your wellhead Never dump untreated waste directly into water bodies

Inspect your property for any activities that put your groundwater OR surface water at risk. USU, Logan, UT

Septic Systems Out of sight and out of mind…until you smell them!

DNRC, MT

How much water do YOU use per day?

Components of a septic system Cleanout Septic tank Leachfield Junction boxHouse Inspection ports

Baffles A. Miller

Where does the liquid effluent go? A. Miller

Do you know??? Where your tank is? How big it is? When it was last pumped? The location of your leachfield? DNRC, Montana

Maintaining your septic system PUMP YOUR TANK! Keep your bacteria healthy and happy UNCE, Reno, NV

To pump... or not to pump Pumping costs about $200 for the average 1250-gallon tank, every three years or so A new leachfield costs from $5,000 for an inground system to as much as $20,000 for an engineered field Which would you choose?

Suggested pumping interval (years) Number of people in your household

What about additives? Enough bacteria are present in the tank from normal bodily wastes Additives cost $$$ and may actually increase the solid material in the tank by producing inert ingredients There is no substitute for pumping!

Other causes of septic failure Overloading. Use water sparingly. Do only full loads of wash at off-peak times, if possible, and try to limit the number of loads daily. Placement in poor drainage area Water leaks Driving over the drainfield

Other causes of septic failure Pouring kitchen grease into drains Failure to install according to septic codes Flushing cigarette butts, sanitary napkins or other inorganic materials down the toilet

Other causes of septic failure Extensive use of garbage disposals Tree roots clogging pipes - contact a septic contractor for repairs Use of salts and chemicals from water softeners and washing machines

Avoid products with the following warnings on the labels: “Harmful if swallowed” “Avoid contact with the skin” “Do not get in open cuts or sores” “If product comes in contact with eyes, call a physician immediately” Always read the product label!

What can I plant on or near my leachfield? Grasses Perennial and annual flowers Many perennial groundcovers All trees Large shrubs OK to PlantAvoid Planting

Tips to keep your septic system working well Don’t water the leachfield Don’t flood the system with excessive water use Keep excess solids out of the system and avoid flushing toxins down the drain

Tips to keep your septic system working well Avoid using your garbage disposal to process large quantities of wastes Regularly pump out the septic tank and inspect the physical components of the system Don’t park or drive over the leachfield

For more information, contact: USU Water Quality Extension Program www. extension.usu.edu/waterquality