Septic systems are usually installed in areas where sanitary sewer is not available and where wastewater must be disposed of on the property. There are more than an estimated half a million septic systems, with over 12,000 septic systems being added per year in the 16-county Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.

To help homeowners better maintain their septic systems, the Clean Water Campaign has partnered with the local County Environmental Health Services to conduct workshops around the District on system maintenance. Gwinnett Department of Public Utilities will be conducting a workshop on February 23 at 7 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.

At one time, septic systems were thought of as a temporary wastewater treatment solution until sewer lines could be extended; however that is no longer the case. Some portions of the District will never be sewered. Because septic systems will be the permanent wastewater treatment solution for many households, the long-term management of septic systems requires more consideration.

A Stitch In Time Saves Nine ... and $$$
A poorly functioning septic system is a potentially serious cause of water pollution. Stormwater can carry harmful bacteria from failing septic systems into rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. Like an automobile, air conditioner, or any other system, a septic system needs periodic maintenance to extend the life of the system and to avoid costly emergency repairs.

Septic tanks should generally be pumped at least every five years at an average cost of $350 per pump. Emergency repairs may run $3,500 or more depending on site conditions. The estimated cost to completely replace a septic system begins at $5,000 and can run much higher under special conditions such as proximity to an aquifer, underlying rock or soil composition.

Even the best-designed and well maintained system will eventually fail. They cannot be made to last forever, but timely maintenance will extend the life of the system and ultimately save the owner money.

How do you know if your septic tank is failing?
The most common indicator of septic system failure is a wet area on your property above the absorption field, often accompanied by a sewage odor. This may indicate a need for system replacement. Other indicators are water backing up in the house or slow flushing toilets. If you have concerns that your system is having problems, contact a licensed septic tank contractor. A list of licensed contractors is available from Gwinnett County Environmental Health or online at www.gwinnetthealth.com.

Maintenance and Care 101
Four simple ways to care for septic tanks

1. Flush only human waste and toilet paper into septic tanks. Don't use your toilets as a trash can.
2. Avoid flooding your septic tank by fixing leaks. Leaking toilets are a major cause of septic system failure.
3. Have your septic system inspected and pumped at least once every three to five years.
4. Contact your local sewer authority to see if your home can be connected to the sanitary sewer system.

To provide a more complete explanation of management and maintenance steps, Gwinnett County is offering a Septic System Maintenance Workshop on February 23 (7:00 p.m.) at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center located at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. There is no charge for the workshops, but registration is required. Register online at www.cleanwatercampaign.com or by calling 404.463.3259.

Septic Tank Facts

1. February is septic tank month in metro Atlanta.
2. There are nearly 100,000 septic tanks in the area and the number continues to grow.
3. There are several different types of septic tanks including cluster and advanced chamber systems.
4. Septic tanks do fail, but if maintained properly they can have a longer life.

The Clean Water Campaign works to educate the public about activities that help prevent water pollution It is a cooperative, multi-agency public education initiative spearheaded by 20 local governments in metro Atlanta and managed by the Atlanta Regional Commission. For more information about the Clean Water Campaign, contact Kelley O'Brien at 404.463.3259.