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Protect Ground Water "Septic Sense" Workshops

By Jennifer Johnson

Clean drinking water is something many of us take for granted. In Thurston County, almost every household gets its drinking water from ground water. Ground water is fed by rain that seeps into the soils and is held underground in aquifers. This underground water supply means that our local drinking water is vulnerable to contamination from above-ground sources. Properly maintaining on-site septic systems is one way to protect our community's drinking-water resources.

What many people don't realize is that septic systems actually recharge ground water. For every gallon of water from the home flowing into the septic tank, a gallon of effluent is pushed out of the septic tank and into the drainfield. Contaminants that remain are filtered out in the drainfield gravel and further treated by microorganisms in the soil underneath the drainfield. If too much water is dumped into the system in too short a time period, contaminants could flow out into the drainfield faster than the soil can treat them. Using too much water within a short period of time — from combining activities such as doing several large loads of laundry, running the dishwasher, and taking a shower or bath — can overload the system and damage the drainfield's ability to treat the sewage.

Ground water also feeds streams that flow into Puget Sound. In this way, failing septic systems miles inland can affect the use of beaches and shellfish downstream. With over 45,000 septic systems in Thurston County, it is important that each one is working to the best of its ability.

The good news is that septic systems can perform well with regular maintenance. Most septic systems need to be pumped every three to five years. When the tank is empty after pumping, the pumper should check for any leaks or cracks in the tank structure. Catching these early can make for an inexpensive and quick fix. It's when problems go unchecked that they can turn costly.

See the list of free septic-system workshops offered by Thurston County Public Health to help you understand and care for your on-site septic system. The workshops provide information on how to locate your septic system, how to choose a qualified pumper, how to inspect your tank yourself, which household products can harm your system, and why additives don't take the place of pumping. With take-home materials, a coupon for $10 off your next tank pumping, and an opportunity to get your unique questions answered, people leave the workshops with many of the tools needed to properly maintain their septic systems.

Jennifer Johnson is an Environmental Educator for Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department.


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Updated 2015/01/07 21:14:22