On-Site Water Protection Branch
Non-Point Source Pollution Program: System Management for Pollution Prevention
Proper management of on-site septic systems helps prevent pollution and saves money too!
Click on the headings below to learn more.
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Pumping the tank really is important
- If you cannot remember when the tank was last pumped, it is likely time. The best approach to pumping
is to start with a 3 year frequency.
- Request that the pumper measure the level of solids accumulation for you so that you can establish a
reasonable frequency based upon how you use your system.
- Failure to pump the tank can cause clogging of the drainfield and subsequent system
malfunction. Surfacing effluent contributes to runoff which contaminates surface water.
The most important piece of real estate on your property is the drain field
- No driving, building, animal grazing that will crush components or damage soil properties.
- Establish and maintain a good vegetative cover (preferably grass or low-growing shallow-rooted
perennials). Avoid trees and shrubs with invasive roots that can clog lines.
- If your permit includes a “Repair Area”, make sure you know the location of this area and
that you protect it in case it is ever needed.
The septic system relies on biological activity
- Avoid harmful inputs such as excessive household cleaners. Chemical wastes such as engine oil,
gasoline, pesticides, paints, and solvents should be disposed of through appropriate recycling sites and
NOT in the system where they can affect performance.
- Solid waste such as discarded coffee grounds, grease and cooking oils, sanitary napkins, tampons,
disposable diapers, cigarettes, cat box litter, or facial tissues can result in the need for more
frequent pumping.
- Use of garbage disposals with septic systems is discouraged. It adds extra wastes that do not settle
out in the tank. Dispose of food scraps with solid waste or establish a compost pile.
- Under normal circumstances, the tank receives everything it needs to properly function, so use of
additives is not typically needed. Some products may adversely affect the biology in the tank or add
chemicals that can contribute to groundwater pollution.
Reasonable water use avoids system overload
- Your septic system has a limited capacity. If your average daily water use is more than 70% of the
design, you may periodically exceed that capacity. If your water is metered, keep track of use for a few
months to see how you are doing. Car washing and irrigation water don’t count.
- Run clothes washers and dishwashers with full loads to reduce the amount of water you send to your
system. Spread loads out over time to allow the drainfield to disperse the water from each load.
- Plumbing leaks not only waste water (and money!) they may overload the drainfield and cause effluent
to surface.
- Gutters, downspouts, sump pumps and foundation drains are considered clear water sources and should
NOT be plumbed into the septic tank; however, diverting drains from clothes or dishwashers to the ground
surface or a nearby ditch is illegal and constitutes a Point Source of pollution.
Contact your local health department if you have
questions and/or to report malfunctioning systems.
Non-Point Source Program Information
On-Site Water Protection Branch Information
