What can be done to improve septic system management?
EPA is partnering with federal agencies, states, tribes, local governments and nongovernmental organizations to improve the management of septic systems. EPA’s Guidelines for managing decentralized wastewater treatment systems can be tailored to meet the needs of states, counties, tribes, cities, towns, subdivisions and other areas where septic systems might threaten public health or water resources. The Guidelines focus on the following areas where better management can achieve significant improvements in overall system performance: • Planning to ensure that system densities do not exceed the ability of regional soils and water resources to treat and assimilate pollutants • Site evaluations that characterize and help to protect soil, ground water, and surface water resources • System designs that provide predictable performance levels of treatment that are appropriate for protecting public health and the environment • Operation and maintenance procedures that ensure that systems are o
