A stack of books against a green background, alongside the text "Guidance for Septic Professionals and Homeowners: From the Trenches Resource Highlights, Part II.".

Educational Resources for Homeowners with Septic Systems, Part 2: Samples from Our Resource Library

ByLaura Schultz

A few months ago, we published a short list of educational resources we recommend for homeowners with septic systems from our Resource Library. Today we share a second set of these resources!

While you may already have go-to resources to recommend to customers who inquire about learning more about their septic systems, there is a wealth of additional options to be found in our library. The best way to narrow down to these resources is to use the filtered search Category > Consumer Information.

Below we list the second set of our favorite homeowner resources. Several of them were published by national organizations, and as such contain rather general or non-location specific advice. However, you can also find many other resources in our library that were published by state or local agencies that often include more focused, location-driven guidance.

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Preparedness & Response for Septic Systems 
National Environmental Health Association

NEHA has guidance documents available for five types of critical emergencies that can impact septic systems: hurricanes & flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, winter weather, and power outages. Each emergency has a ~10-page guidance document detailing what to do before, during, and after the event; and a 2-page checklist document of steps to take that will protect both septic systems and human health. All ten documents can be found at the page linked in the title line above.


New Homebuyer’s Guide to Septic Systems (English)
US Environmental Protection Agency

This 4-page guide provides new homebuyers with information they need to know before purchasing a home with a septic system, explains how septic systems work, and the importance of having the system inspected before the property purchase is complete.


Onsite Wastewater Management — A Manual for Tribes 
New Mexico State University

This 80-page manual dives even deeper into septic system management on Tribal lands. The seven chapters cover: the history of Native American wastewater management, soils & site inspection, septic systems, passive advanced treatment systems, mechanical systems, disinfection, and reuse & conservation of wastewater. The manual is also available as a webpage.


Prepping Your Septic System for the Future
Environmental Finance Center Network

This 30-minute podcast episode covers how changing weather patterns and climate conditions are putting new pressure on septic systems. The hosts explain how climate change is affecting septic system performance, the public health risks that come with system failures, and practical steps homeowners can take to prepare their systems for the future. These steps include options for upgrading systems, connecting to centralized sewer, and building long-term community preparedness.

Being Septic Smart
Minnesota Water Resources Center

This 95-minute webinar recording from SepticSmart Week 2023 teaches property owners the basics of how their septic system works and provides information to enable property owners to maximize their septic investment.

SepticSmart Education Materials
US Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA’s SepticSmart-branded materials for homeowners include the aforementioned Quick Tip videos, Quick Tip graphics, brochures, posters, case studies, and more. They are all free to be downloaded, printed, and shared as needed. Many, but not all, are available in both English and Spanish. Some may also be personalized by a business or local government. 

Remember, SepticSmart Week 2026 is coming up: from September 14-18, 2026! SepticSmart Week is a key time each year to share these materials far and wide. 
 

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Remember to bookmark our Resource Library! As of publication, we have collected over 200 resources that 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, though many of these resources are focused on septic/decentralized professionals rather than homeowners.

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.