Protecting Water Quality: Wells and Septic Systems

1. Protecting Water Quality: Wells and Septic Systems Developed by: Susan Donaldson University of Nevada Cooperative Extension UNCE, Reno, NV

2. This session will cover: • Watersheds and water pollution • How wells work • How septic systems work • Protecting well water supplies • Is my drinking water safe?

3. Water cycle: one of the oldest “recycling” schemes in nature.

4. Ground water UNCE, Reno, NV

5. Wells DNRC, MT

6. We’re all part of a watershed And we all live downstream

7. A. Miller

8. Water pollution ….. • Affects groundwater • Drinking water • Affects surface water • Recreational uses • Fisheries • Irrigation and other agricultural uses

9. Pathogens UNCE, Reno, NV Sources: failing septic systems, animal waste, marine sanitation devices

10. Chemicals Sources: industrial, commercial, household and agricultural chemicals, auto emissions

11. Sediment (dirt) USDA NRCS Sources: road sand, construction sites, agricultural fields, disturbed areas

12. Nutrients Sources: animal waste, fertilizers, septic systems, auto emissions UNCE, Reno, NV

13. How can I protect my well water supply? Consider: • Location • Construction • Condition Can you find the wellhead? UNCE, Reno, NV

14. Well protection DNRC, MT

15. Well construction makes a big difference in protecting your water. Wells over 50 years old may not be deep enough or properly sealed. Hire a qualified well driller or repair company to inspect these wells. DNRC, MT

16. Adapted from Clark Conservation District, MT There should be antibackflow devices in place to prevent the flow of contaminated fluids into the ground water. Keep good records of all well inspections, repairs and water testing.

17. Well separation distances DNRC, MT DNRC, MT

18. Don’t do this! Fence your well out of your pasture or holding area. UNCE, Reno, NV

19. Who protects my drinking water? • The Safe Drinking Water Act, first created in 1974, is the main federal law that regulates drinking water provided by municipal water suppliers • The EPA sets standards and oversees water suppliers • Ensuring safe water from private wells is the responsibility of the homeowner

20. How do I know if my water is safe to drink? Water testing ensures that your water is safe. Don’t depend on your neighbor’s water analysis, because even wells that are close together may draw water from separate aquifers.

21. Be part of the pollution solution • Repair oil leaks promptly • Recycle motor oil at drop-off centers • Apply pesticides carefully ONLY after pests have been identified, the correct product chosen, and the label read • Store and dispose of hazardous materials properly • Keep chemicals away from your well

22. Be part of the pollution solution • Maintain your septic system in good condition and pump regularly • Manage animal wastes properly • Maintain a protection zone around your wellhead • Never dump untreated waste directly into water bodies

23. Inspect your property for any activities that put your groundwater OR surface water at risk. USU, Logan, UT

24. Out of sight and out of mind…until you smell them! Septic Systems

25. DNRC, MT

26. How much water do YOU use per day?

27. Components of a septic system House Junction box Cleanout Septic tank Inspection ports Leachfield

28. Baffles A. Miller

29. A. Miller

30. Where does the liquid effluent go? A. Miller

31. Do you know??? • Where your tank is? • How big it is? • When it was last pumped? • The location of your leachfield? DNRC, Montana

32. Maintaining your septic system • PUMP YOUR TANK! • Keep your bacteria healthy and happy UNCE, Reno, NV

33. Pumping costs about $200 for the average 1250-gallon tank, every three years or so A new leachfield costs from $5,000 for an inground system to as much as $20,000 for an engineered field To pump... or not to pump Which would you choose?

34. Suggested pumping interval (years) Number of people in your household

35. What about additives? • Enough bacteria are present in the tank from normal bodily wastes • Additives cost $$$ and may actually increase the solid material in the tank by producing inert ingredients • There is no substitute for pumping!

36. Other causes of septic failure • Overloading. Use water sparingly. Do only full loads of wash at off-peak times, if possible, and try to limit the number of loads daily. • Placement in poor drainage area • Water leaks • Driving over the drainfield

37. Other causes of septic failure • Pouring kitchen grease into drains • Failure to install according to septic codes • Flushing cigarette butts, sanitary napkins or other inorganic materials down the toilet

38. Other causes of septic failure • Extensive use of garbage disposals • Tree roots clogging pipes - contact a septic contractor for repairs • Use of salts and chemicals from water softeners and washing machines

39. Avoid products with the following warnings on the labels: • “Harmful if swallowed” • “Avoid contact with the skin” • “Do not get in open cuts or sores” • “If product comes in contact with eyes, call a physician immediately” Always read the product label!

40. Grasses Perennial and annual flowers Many perennial groundcovers All trees Large shrubs What can I plant on or near my leachfield? OK to Plant Avoid Planting

41. Tips to keep your septic system working well • Don’t water the leachfield • Don’t flood the system with excessive water use • Keep excess solids out of the system and avoid flushing toxins down the drain

42. Tips to keep your septic system working well • Avoid using your garbage disposal to process large quantities of wastes • Regularly pump out the septic tank and inspect the physical components of the system • Don’t park or drive over the leachfield

43. For more information, contact:USU Water Quality Extension Program 435-797-2580nancym@ext.usu.eduwww. extension.usu.edu/waterquality