More than 25 percent of Minnesota households use septic systems (on-site sewage treatments systems) to treat their wastewater. Septic systems protect human health and the environment by safely recycling wastewater back into the natural environment. While government regulation of septic systems ensure proper treatment of sewage to protect people and environment, you are responsible for operating and maintaining your own septic system.

Know Your Septic System's Function and Maintenance:
Household wastewater contains bacteria, viruses, nutrients, solids, and cleaners that need to be treated by your on-site sewage treatment system!

HOUSEHOLD PLUMBLING: its function is to collect used water and deliver wastewater to septic tank.

Basic Management Practices:
* Control water use - repair leaks, use low water use appliances and fixtures.
* Don't overload the system - spread water usage throughout the day and week.
* Minimize use of harsh cleaners, bleach, soaps and detergents.
* Do not dispose of paints, medications, or chemicals through your septic system.
* Keep grease, lint, food, feminine hygiene, and plastic products out of the septic system.

SEPTIC TANK: its function is to separate solids from liquid, friendly bacteria decompose organic solids, store other solids until removed by pumping and deliver liquid to soil treatment area.

Basic Management Practices:
* Pump/clean solids from tank regularly.
* Do not use septic tank additives for maintenance.
* Always clean the tank through the manhole.
* Inspect baffles at time of cleaning.
* Never enter the septic tank.

SOIL TREATMENT SYSTEM: (typically an in-ground trench or mound); its function is to kill bacteria, viruses and other disease organisms, remove phosphorus and other nutrients, reduce nitrate content, recycle water into soil and allow water and nutrients to enter ground water, evaporate or be used by plants.

Basic Management Practices:
* Mow but do not fertilize or water turf grasses.
* Keep heavy vehicles (cars, tractors, snowmobiles, etc.) off area.
* Do not place gardens, swing sets, or sandboxes over this area.
* Do not plant trees and shrubs on or close to this area.

IMPROPERLY TREATED SEWAGE CAN IMPACT HUMAN HEALTH and the ENVIRONMENT: When septic systems fail, human and environmental health may be compromised.

System failure may be identified by one or more of the following:
* Sewage backup into the house,
* Water or sewage surfacing in the yard or a ditch,
* Sewage odors indoors or outdoors,
* High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in well water tests,
* Alarms from the system sounding,
* Algae blooms and excessive plant growth in nearby ponds or lakes.

System failure is most commonly the result of:
1. Improper design or installation of the system,
2. Overuse of water in the home,
3. Lack of proper maintenance.

For more information: www.extension.umn.edu

Source: Ken Olson, Minnesota Extension Service