Educational Resources for Homeowners with Septic Systems: A Sample from the DecentralizedWastewater.org Resource Library
You may already have go-to educational resources to recommend to customers who inquire about how to learn more about their septic systems. If you’re ever looking for more resources to keep in your back pocket, though, you can find a wealth of options in our Resource Library, using the filtered search Category > Consumer Information.
Below we have collected a sample of some of these resources, several of which are from national organizations and contain general/non-location specific advice. However, please note that there are also plenty of resources to be found in the library published by state or local agencies that will often include more focused location-driven guidance!
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Onsite Wastewater Treatment System: User Guide (English)
Rural Community Assistance Partnership + National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
This 36-page user guide helps readers understand the basic principles of onsite wastewater, learn how to operate systems effectively and efficiently, know how to prevent costly repairs and water contamination, and resolve system problems.
- Also available in Spanish: Sistema de tratamiento de aguas residuales en sitio: Guía del usuario
Maintain Your Septic System to Protect Well Water
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
This 8-page guide details potential issues with septic systems and how they can affect the water quality of nearby wells. It goes over how septic systems should be best designed, installed, and maintained in order to protect well water.
A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems for Tribal Communities
US Environmental Protection Agency
This 10-page manual provides a comprehensive guide to septic systems for homeowners in Tribal communities. It contains tips for proper maintenance, guidance troubleshooting for common causes of septic failure, and an example of a record sheet for tracking inspections & pumpings.
Six Expert Tips For A Healthy Septic System: What Every Homeowner Should Know
University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
This 11-minute podcast episode, part of UGA’s “Cultivating Curiosity” show, features water resource expert Gary Hawkins explaining the science of septic systems and simple steps homeowners can take to keep them working properly. Listeners will learn six essential tips to maintain a healthy septic tank, protect well water, and avoid costly repairs.
SepticSmart Quick Tip Video Compilation
US Environmental Protection Agency
This 3-minute video compiles all of the EPA’s SepticSmart Quick Tips into one place. The Quick Tips are designed to educate homeowners on the importance of properly using and maintaining their septic system. The Quick Tips include: Think at the Sink, Don’t Strain Your Drain, Keep It Clean, Shield Your Field, Protect It & Inspect It, Don’t Overload the Commode, and Pump Your Tank. Individual Quick Tip videos can also be found at the EPA website.
Septic Resources for Homeowners
National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
This is the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA)’s hub for educational materials for homeowners. NOWRA is the leading advocacy group for the profession of onsite wastewater/septic system maintenance in the United States.
How to Care for Your Septic System
US Environmental Protection Agency
This is the EPA’s basic rundown of how to care for septic systems. The areas of focus are four key elements: inspect & pump frequently, use water efficiently, properly dispose of waste, and maintain your drainfield.
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Remember to bookmark our Resource Library! As of publication, 215 resources that we have collected cover topics & information that are helpful for homeowners/consumers. We also share a highlighted resource each month in our From the Trenches newsletter, which you can sign up for at our Latest News page.
Finally, if you are aware of a valuable resource providing educational information to homeowners that you think should be added to our library, send it our way at info@decentralizedwastewater.org.