Septic System Resources for Homeowners
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.
NEW 2026 - Homeowner’s Onsite System Guide and Record Keeping Folder (NOWRA)
Printed folders are available to order through NOWRA.
All About Septic Systems
- NEW 2026 - Homeowner’s Onsite System Guide and Record Keeping Folder (NOWRA) - updated September 2026
- NEW 2026 - Decentralized Wastewater Glossary of Terms - updated August 2026
- Homeowner User Guide and Training Modules (NOWRA and RCAP) (PDF and video)
- Septic System Home (US EPA)
- SepticSmart Week and Materials (US EPA)
- How a Septic System Works (Cool interactive graphic from GBRA)
- What is a Septic System? How Do I Maintain One? (National Environmental Service Center)
- OLD Glossary (The Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment) (PDF)
- Overview of NOWRA Septic Locator (NOWRA) (PDF)
- Financing Septic Systems (US EPA)
Septic System Care & Maintenance
- Part 1: So…Now You Own a Septic System (NESC) (PDF)
- Part 2: The Care and Feeding of Your Septic System (NESC) (PDF)
- Part 3: Groundwater Protection and Your Septic System (NESC) (PDF)
- Maintaining Your Septic System: A Guide for Homeowners (NESC) (PDF)
- Landscaping Septic Systems (NESC) (PDF)
- Septic Tank Additives (NESC) (PDF)
- Buying or Selling a Home with an Onsite Wastewater System (NESC) (PDF)
- Septic Tank Inspection Q&A (NESC) (PDF)
- Guidance for the Use of Water Softening and Onsite Wastewater Systems on Individual Properties (NOWRA) (PDF)
When Problems Occur
- Homeowner’s Guide to Evaluating Service Contracts (The Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment) (PDF)
- First Aid for a Flooded Septic System (NESC) (PDF)
- Septic System Preparedness in Natural Disasters (An easily accessible toolkit with guidance documents for different types of disasters from the National Environmental Health Association. Each guide focuses on steps septic system users can take before, during, and after a disaster to protect their health and maintain their system.)
Looking for an Onsite Wastewater Professional in your area who is a NOWRA member? Check out SepticLocator!