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. ------- 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 ------- |