Homeowner Information
The links below are compiled from a variety of authoritative sources, and have been developed to help homeowners better understand their septic system, how septic systems work, and how to maintain them. To learn more about the organizations shown, click here.
NOWRA (National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association)
A Homeowner's Onsite System Guide and Record Keeping Folder
Order copies for the homeowners you work with
Overview of NOWRA Septic Locator
EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency)
Consumer FAQs on Septic Systems
Septic Systems: What to Do after the Flood
Homeowner Septic System Checklist (PDF)
Septic System Homeowner Resources Page
Avoid Common Culprits of Septic System Failure
NEHA (National Environmental Health Association).
Septic System Preparedness in Naturan Disasters - This series of documents was developed to provide homeowners with an easily accessible toolkit with guidance documents for different types of disasters. Each guide focuses on steps septic system users can take before, during, and after a disaster to protect their health and maintain their system.
NESC (National Environmental Services Center)
What is a septic system? How do I maintain one?
Part 1 -So... now you own a septic system (pdf) - How it works, what to put in and keep out, plus some illustrations.
Part 2 -The care and feeding of your septic system (pdf) - When to pump it, reducing flow, and health tips.
Part 3 -Groundwater protection and your septic system (pdf) - Recharge, separation distances, and contaminant information.
Septic Tank Additives (pdf)- Small Flows magazine, Winter 2002 - Different types of additives are discussed as well as research.
Maintaining Your Septic System: A Guide for Homeowners (pdf) - Pipeline newsletter, Fall 2004 - Proper operation and maintenance of your septic system can have a significant impact on how well it works and how long it lasts, and in most communities, septic system maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Septic Tank Inspection Q&A (pdf) - Technical Assistance Unit (TAU), Small Flows magazine, Winter 2004 - Inspections are a necessary part of the operation and maintenance of a septic tank. This article provides a guide on how to get one.
Soil Evaluation Techniques Q&A (pdf) - Small Flows magazine, Summer 2002
Landscaping Septic Systems (pdf) - Small Flows magazine, Fall 2002
Roof Drains and Septic Systems (pdf) - Technical Assistance Unit (TAU), Small Flows magazine, Fall 2004
Septic Systems: A Practical Alternative for Small Communities (pdf) - Pipeline newsletter, Summer 2004 - When properly designed, installed, and maintained, septic systems can be the most cost-effective and efficient method of wastewater treatment a homeowner can choose.
Managing Septic Systems to Prevent Contamination of Drinking Water (pdf)
Water Conservation Page
Bathroom Revamp: Savings by the Gallon National Geographic Society - How much water is your old bathroom using? Maybe much more then you think.
DIY Household Cleaners(Web site), National Geographic Society - This article explains how to make your own cleaners from healthier
Green Home Makeover(Web site), National Geographic Society - Whole house examination, from products to paints, this useful interactive guide is well done and fun.
Regulations Database- NESC provides electronic copies of each state's onsite wastewater regulatory documentation. Users should note that these are not official regulatory documents.
National Summary Citations(Onsite Wastewater Regulations by State)- View a summary of each state's regulatory agency activities regarding onsite wastewater information.
Regulatory Agencies- NESC maintains a current list of links to U.S. departments that govern state onsite wastewater system regulations.
Wastewater Regulatory Contacts(pdf) - Contacts are listed by state and updated quarterly.
CIDWT (Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment
CIDWT Homeowner's Guide to Evaluating Service Contracts
National Geographic Society (via NESC website)
Bathroom Revamp: Savings by the Gallon National Geographic Society - How much water is your old bathroom using? Maybe much more then you think.
DIY Household Cleaners(Web site), National Geographic Society - This article explains how to make your own cleaners from healthier
Green Home Makeover(Web site), National Geographic Society - Whole house examination, from products to paints, this useful interactive guide is well done and fun.
