The enormous connection between the world’s water industry and the world’s wastewater industry is something that is often overlooked. The insufficient treatment of wastewater in many countries needs to be addressed in order to increase the country’s need for usable water (for drinking, crops, etc.).
In honor of March 22nd as World Water Day, check out this article regarding the missed opportunity happening worldwide: FOA Article
Every year the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes septic tank awareness and offers information and suggestions to homeowners. The information provided encourages those with septic systems to maintain them properly and forget the idea of “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”.
For EPA resources, click the link here: RESOURCES Here you can view helpful information regarding how your septic system works, how to maintain the system and why it’s important, what happens after you flush, etc. Seriously, some really good information to have as a homeowner with a septic system.
A recent article out of Pumper Magazine titled “Septic Care: Explaining the Effects of Detergents” really peaked our interest given we often see the effects of powdered detergent all the time. When cleaning a septic tank, it can be difficult to differentiate powered detergent with grease as the detergent clumps together forming a grease-like substance that does not biodegrade in your system. It is actually possible for powdered detergent to clog the system or block a drain. Inexpensive detergents contain excessive amounts of fillers that can include ingredients such as clay, which can turn into more of a solid when in contact with the liquids of your septic system. For detergents, it is best to stick with liquid… in the best case scenario, a liquid with no extra additives or harmful chemicals.
For a list of healthy detergents and cleaning supplies, check out the Environmental Working Group’s list of safe alternative products.
During this week (September 21 – 25), we’d like to take a moment to encourage homeowners to maintain their septic systems and to understand the importance of knowing how and why taking care of your septic system.
From the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website:
“Nearly one-fifth of all American households depend on septic systems to treat their wastewater. Failure to maintain a septic system can lead to failures resulting in costly repairs, well contamination, polluted local waterways, and risks to public health and the environment.
During SepticSmart Week, EPA seeks to inform homeowners on proper septic system care and maintenance, assist local agencies in promoting homeowner education and awareness, and educate local decision makers about the infrastructure options available to improve and sustain their communities.”
View A Homeowners’ Guide to Septic Systems for more information.
A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expen- sive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system inspected is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Your system will need pumping every few years, depending on how many people live in the house and the size of the system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property’s value and could pose a legal liability.
Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection and disease and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen, phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Nitrogen and phosphorus are aquatic plant nutrients that can cause unsightly algae blooms. Excessive nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water can cause pregnancy complications, as well as methemoglobinemia (also known as blue baby syndrome) in infancy. Pathogens can cause communicable diseases through direct or indirect body contact or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish. If a septic system is working properly, it will Heffectively remove most of these pollutants.
View the Homeowners Guide to Septics