Septic Systems
Septic systems are designed to handle and degrade human waste materials biologically, using natural soil and water systems. Although constructed materials such as tanks and pipes are used the basic processes are biological. The systems do depend on periodic monitoring and maintenance to sustain the process or the possibility of surface and groundwater contamination increases.
General Information
- Onsite, Out of Sight (UAF)
- Septic System Waste Treatment in Soil (WSU)
- How to Select a Home Sewage Treatment System (WSU)
- Septic Systems and Groundwater by UAF CES Water Quality Program
Maintenance
- Properly Managing Your Septic Tank System (WSU)
- Care and Feeding of Septic Tanks (WSU)
- Septic Tank Maintenance (OSU)
Alternatives
- Properly Managing Your Sand Filter System (WSU)
- Properly Managing Your Mound System (WSU)
- Properly Managing Your Pressure Distribution System (WSU)
Landscaping
- What to Plant over the Septic System?(WSU)
- Septic System Management: Landscaping and other Activities on Your Property (OSU)
Problems
- Why Do Septic Systems Fail? (OSU)
- Emergency Water (UAF)
- Septic Systems after a Flood (UAF)
- Other Resources
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- EPA Septic (onsite) Systems
- National Small Flows Clearinghouse Septic System Information
- The Septic Protector
- University of Rhode Island Onsite Waste Water Resource Center
- New York Cornell Cooperative Extension: Water Quality: Septic Systems and Wastewater
- Indiana Purdue Residential Onsite Wastewater Disposal
- Michigan Washtenaw County Sewage (septic) Systems (video)
- Minnesota University of Minnesota Water Resources Onsite Sewage Program
- Mississippi State Department of Health Principles and Design of Onsite Waste Disposal Systems with Septic Systems
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
- British Columbia, Septic Savy: A household information kit & video
- State Contacts
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Alaska
- University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service Water Quality Program
- State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Onsite
Idaho
- University of Idaho Cooperative Extension Service Water Quality Program
- Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Onsite Waste Water Systems
- Idaho North Central District Health Department
Oregon
- Oregon State University Extension Service
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Onsite Wastewater Management Program
- Oregon Onsite Association
Washington