If you have a septic system...
Septic systems can provide long-term, effective treatment
of household wastewater if properly designed,
constructed, and maintained.
Things to keep in mind:
•/ Inspect your system (every 1 to 3 years) and pump
your tank (as necessary, generally every 5 years).
•/ Use water efficiently.
•/ Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes in
sinks and toilets. ^
•/ Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots
from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the
drainfield.
•/ Don't drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic
system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drainfield or
damage pipes, tank, or other septic system components.
Not in My
Septic System!
For more information, contact:
Name and agency
Phone and e-mail
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency,
www. epa. Qov/owm/onsite
XCloggers
diapers, cat litter, cigarette
filters, coffee grounds,
grease, feminine hygiene
products, etc.
^Killers
household chemicals,
gasoline, oil, pesticides,
antifreeze, paint, etc.
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If you're on a sanitary sewer system...
What you flush from your home affects the
streams, lakes, and coastal waters in our
community.
^ Don't pour household products such as
cleansers, beauty products, medicine, auto
fluids, paint, and lawn care products down
the drain.
Wastewater treatment facilities are designed to treat
organic materials, not hazardous chemicals.
Don't put excess household grease (meat fats,
cooking oil, butter and margarine, etc.),
diapers, condoms, and personal hygiene
products down a drain or flush them.
y- These materials can clog pipes, and cause raw
sewage to overflow in your home or yard, or in
public areas.
Don't pour used motor oil down the drain.
Used motor oil can diminish the effectiveness of the
treatment process and might allow contaminants to
be discharged into local waterways.
For more information, contact:
Name and agency
Phone and e-mail
When the wastewater flush
your toilet or drained from your
household sinks, washing machin
or dishwasher leaves your ho—
flows through your communi'
sanitary sewer system to a
wastewater treatment facility.
The wastewater is treated by the
wastewater treatment
facility to reduce
Responsibly!
US. Environmental Protection Agency,
www.epa.gov/owm
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