O K L A H O M * A * SY S T

Home*A*Syst
Home Assessment System

Household Wastewater:
Septic Systems and Other
Treatment Methods
This assessment covers
three factors that affect your Assessment Worksheet #3
pollution risks:
1. Design and Location
• tank capacity
• soil type Why should you be concerned?
• system location Wastewater treatment systems help protect your health and the
2. Maintenance environment. Household wastewater carrying bodily wastes, dirt, soap,
• pumping the septic food, and grease from sinks, toilets, washing machines, and showers
tank flows down the drain and out of your house. Wastewater also carries
disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Nutrients such
• protecting the drain-
as nitrogen, phosphorous, and organic material promote weed growth,
field lower oxygen levels, and affect fishing and recreational use of rivers
• watching for signs of and lakes. Wastewater treatment systems are designed to remove or
trouble break down these contaminants before they enter the groundwater or
3. Inputs to the System nearby lakes, streams, or wetlands.
• reducing water, solid,
Wastewater treatment is often out-of-sight and out-of-mind until
and chemical inputs problems occur. Knowing the basics about your household system
and taking simple precautions can prevent problems. It’s a wise in-
This assessment helps you vestment to keep your system working well. Replacing a failed sys-
evaluate your septic system tem can cost thousands of dollars.
and pinpoint risks before
they become problems. It
provides general guidelines Do you have a septic system or other onsite system
for safe management of to treat wastewater?
household wastewater. This worksheet is for homeowners or tenants who have septic
systems buried in their yards. A typical septic system consists of a
septic tank and soil absorption field (also known as a drainfield, leach
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service field, or lateral lines). Systems may have a septic tank and a lagoon
Division of Agricultural Sciences instead of a soil absorption field.
and Natural Resources
Oklahoma State University
 The liquid waste, called effluent, flows
out of the tank and into the soil absorption
field or drainfield. Wastewater is dispersed
over a large area of soil by the distribution
system, a series of perforated plastic pipes
laid in gravel-filled trenches. Effluent can be
fed into the pipes by gravity or by a pump.
The effluent seeps out of the trenches and
into the soil. The soil must be of a suitable
type and deep enough to treat the waste-
water before it reaches ground water. The
soil filters out larger particles and pathogens
which die in the inhospitable soil environ-
ment. Beneficial soil microbes and natural
chemical processes break down or remove
most of the contaminants in the effluent. Per-
formance may be degraded by hazardous
synthetic chemicals such as solvents and
fuels that are not easily degraded in waste-
water treatment systems. These chemicals
may contaminate sludge in the septic tank, kill benefi-
cial bacteria, and travel in ground water.
Soils vary in their ability to treat wastewater. Well-
drained, medium textured soils such as loam are best.
Coarse gravel or sandy soils allow wastewater to flow
too quickly for treatment, and heavy clay soils may
not drain or percolate. If the soil does not drain well
enough, it becomes saturated and anaerobic. Bad
smelling water may appear at the surface and system
failure is obvious. More information about soil types
can be found in Site Assessment, Worksheet #1.

How does a conventional

septic system work?
Wastewater flows through a sewer
pipe out of your house and into the sep-
Well
tic tank, a box or cylinder commonly
made of concrete. The tank must be wa-
ter tight to keep sewage from leaking out
and ground water from seeping in. Lighter
solids like grease, hair, and soap float to
the top of the tank, forming a scum layer.
Heavier solids settle to the bottom, form-
ing a layer of sludge. A baffle near the
tank inlet slows the incoming rush of wa-
ter, so the sludge is not stirred up. A baffle
or sanitary tee pipe located at the tank’s
outlet keeps solids from leaving the tank.
Bacteria in the tank continually break
down most of the sludge into simple nu-
trients, gas, and water.The remaining sol-
ids are stored in the tank until it is pumped
out.

2 HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater
 Another alternate system is the wastewater lagoon.
Plans for individual residential lagoons must be approved
A conventional septic system has three by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) prior
components: to construction. Total retention lagoons can be used on a
• The septic tank separates and digests solid wastes lot of two acres or more and where the percolation rate is
(sludge and scum). too low for a septic system drainfield. The minimum lot
• The distribution system disperses the liquid efflu- size does not apply to plats filed prior to January 1, 1974.
ent over a large area of soil. However, any existing residence having a failing absorp-
• The soil in the absorption field or drainfield absorbs tion field may be approved for a lagoon or alternative sys-
the wastewater and treats it by natural physical, tem when additional lateral lines cannot be installed or will
chemical, and biological processes. not be effective. Locate lagoons as far from the home as
practical and where the prevailing winds will carry odors
away from houses. If the lagoon is downhill from the source,
gravity can transport the waste. Consult your agricultural
In a conventional gravity-fed distribution system, low Extension agent, your county soil conservationist, or the
points in the distribution system receive more effluent than DEQ for regulations governing the location of lagoons rela-
others, putting stress on those areas. A dosing or en- tive to wells.
hanced-flow system has a pump or siphon to improve Aerobic (oxygen-using) biological treatment sys-
the distribution of effluent. Periodically pumping a certain tems operate much like a municipal sewage treatment
volume of effluent to the entire drainfield area and then plant. After pretreatment, wastewater is mixed with air,
allowing the soil to drain between doses provides a period promoting the growth of bacteria which feed on the or-
of aeration which helps microorganisms in the soil digest ganic wastes and pathogens. Aerobic tanks are most of-
the wastes. In a pressure distribution system, the efflu- ten used in place of septic tanks on sites that do not have
ent is pumped directly through small diameter pipes, with- an adequate soil type, depth, or area for wastewater treat-
out a distribution box. Wastewater is evenly distributed ment. Aerobic units require significantly more maintenance
throughout the entire drainfield, promoting better treatment than conventional septic systems. Aerobic systems yield
of wastewater and system longevity. Alternating trenches a better quality effluent suitable for more disposal options.
is another means of providing a period of aeration. This is Aerobic tanks must have at least a 1,000-gallon liquid ca-
done by adjusting the outlet levels or using a valve in the pacity. The effluent from an aerobic unit is discharged into
distribution box so effluent flows into some of the trenches a soil absorption system or may be treated with chlorine,
while other trenches are allowed to rest for about six ozone, or other disinfectant before surface discharge if state
months. and local regulations permit.
Seepage pits are perforated tanks through which sep- Disposal of toilet wastes does not have to mean flush-
tic tank effluent can seep into the ground. A cesspool is ing away great volumes of water. Composting toilets use
just a small pond that receives waste water without treat- microbes to digest toilet wastes. They work well if the right
ment. Seepage pits and cesspools are not acceptable temperature, moisture, oxygen, and nutrient mixture is
household wastewater disposal systems in Oklahoma. maintained. Other types of waterless toilets include incin-
erating toilets, recirculating oil-flush toilets, and chemical
disinfecting toilets. Graywater from sinks, tubs, and wash-
What are some alternative systems? ing machines can be treated in a wastewater system sized
If soil or site conditions are not suitable for a conven- to handle about half the volume of a standard wastewater
tional drainfield, an alternative system might be used. An system.
evapotranspiration absorption system can be used on Holding tanks may be used in temporary situations
building lots one acre or more in which wastewater is ap- such as awaiting a new system hookup or at summer resi-
plied near the soil surface. It is designed to recycle nutri- dences. In contrast to a septic tank, a holding tank has no
ents and further reduce the contaminant content of waste- outlet and must be pumped frequently to take the waste-
water in a safe manner. water to a treatment facility.

HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater 3
Part 1: Septic System Design & Location
How much wastewater can your system handle? sign, and location.
Water use in your household in excess of the system’s
Both the septic tank and drainfield should have ad- design capacity can lead to inadequate wastewater treat-
equate capacity to treat all the wastewater generated in ment and system failure. Conserving water or more fre-
your house, at the times of peak use. For this reason, the quent pumping may be required. The addition of a bed-
system must be designed for maximum occupancy of your room or a water-using appliance such as a water softener
home, usually estimated as 100 to 150 gallons of waste- or jet bath tub to your home may require expanding your
water per bedroom per day multiplied by the number of septic system.
bedrooms of the home. The estimated flow rate is lower if
low-flow toilets and water-saving faucets are installed. The How close is too close?
septic tank should be large enough to hold two days worth
of wastewater—long enough to allow solids to settle out To prevent contamination of water supplies, the
by gravity. A two-compartment tank or a second tank in drainfield must be set back at least 100 feet from any wet-
series can improve sludge and scum removal and help land, shoreline, stream bed, your drinking-water well, or
prevent drainfield clogging. Typically, a new three-bedroom your neighbor’s well. The greater the distance, the lower
home is equipped with a 1,000-gallon tank. the chance of contaminating them. Your system should be
downhill from the well, if possible. (If you do not know
where your septic system is located, see Part 2.)You should
Calculate the maximum wastewater load from test your well water more often if you find that your system
your home if each bedroom was occupied by 2 is closer to your well than recommended. For information
people: on certified laboratories, contact your local Extension of-
fice or the DEQ and read Drinking Water Well Manage-
____ bedrooms X 100 gal. per day = ____ gal. per
ment, Worksheet #2.
day X 2 days = ____ gallons (recommended tank
size)
When was your septic system installed?
Average water usage in the US is about 25 to 75 gal.
(gallons) per person per day. Estimate the wastewa- Septic systems are expected to last 15 to 40 years,
ter load from your household: depending on how appropriately designed for the site and
how well they are maintained. If your septic tank is made
____ people X 50 gal. per day = ____ gal. of waste- of steel, it will rust and need replacement. The older your
water per day X 2 days = ____ gallons system, the more likely it is that the system does not meet
What is your septic tank capacity ? ____ gallons the latest standards. Even a relatively new system can
fail, particularly, if it is located in poor soils, undersized,
Is it adequate for your present household size? not properly installed, or poorly maintained.
Yes / No
Would it be adequate if each bedroom were occu- Does your system need safety devices?
pied by two people? Yes / No To prevent hazardous sewage overflows, tanks and
chambers should have capacity above normal working
level. In addition, an alarm could be installed on any hold-
The required length of drainfield trenches is based on ing tanks or pumping chambers to warn you if the tank is
how much wastewater will be put in the system and how nearly full. If your system depends on a pump (versus grav-
much water a unit area of soil can treat. The better the soil ity-fed), you may need to have a back-up power supply. In
type or longer the trenches, the higher the system’s ca- flood hazard areas, backflow valves may be needed on
pacity for wastewater treatment. Contact your home con- the main distribution line to prevent backup into the tank
tractor, septic system installer, or the DEQ for information and your home.
they may have on file about your septic system’s age, de-

4 HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater
Assessing Your Septic System Design and Location
Use the following assessment to begin rating your pollution risks. For each question, put the risk level number (1, 2, or 3) in the
column labeled “Your Risk.” Although some choices may not correspond exactly to your situation, choose the response that best fits.

1. Low Risk / 2. Medium Risk / 3. High Risk / Your Risk

Safest Situation Potential Hazard Unsafe Situation
Capacity of Tank designed to No excess capacity. Undersized system.
system handle more than Bedrooms or water-using
enough wastewater, appliances added without
based on the size of the expending the wastewater
home and occupancy. system.
Separation Drainfield at least Drainfield between Drainfield less than 50
distances 100 feet from any 50 and 100 feet from a feet from a well or
well or sensitive well or surface water. surface water.
area.
Age of system Less than 5 years old. Between 6 and 20 System more than
or holding years old. 20 years old.
tank
(year
installed)

Responding to Risks—Your goal is to lower the risks. Use the Action Checklist on page 10 to record medium- and high-risk
practices. Use recommendations in Part 1 to help you make plans to reduce your risks.

Part 2: On-Site System Maintenance

Do you know exactly where your system is located?
To take proper care of a septic system, you must know street
where it is located. The exact locations of septic system
components are not obvious because they are below
ground. If this information is not in your home records, a
driveway

previous homeowner or county health department records

may give the answer. Contact the person who installed or well
currently pumps your system. You may be able to locate
your septic tank yourself by locating the outside wall of the 15'
main bathroom then, probing or digging into the ground 50'
14'
10-20 feet away from the house. The septic tank is usu-
house
ally within 1 foot of the ground surface. The distribution 6'
box and drainfield are usually located down slope from the septic tank
5'
septic tank unless there are pumps installed.
Once you’ve located the septic tank, sketch a map of
tree
your house and yard (see Home Site Assessment,
Worksheet #1). Note the distances from the septic tank 45'
opening to at least two permanent points like the corner of leach field
approx. 15' x 40'
the house foundation, a permanent survey stake on the
property line or, a roadway. As long as the distances are tree
correct, the map doesn’t have to be drawn to scale. If 35'
known, show the location of the soil absorption field. Keep
the map on file along with maintenance and test records stone wall
and pass it on to subsequent owners of the house.
Draw a map of your septic system in the space pro-
vided on the next page. Make sure to include, your septic
tank, distribution box, drainfield, leach field, and well. Example
HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater 5
Draw a map of your septic system in the space provided below.

Do you know when your tank was last pumped or inspected?

Keeping good records each time your septic system is pumped, inspected, or repaired will help you make cost-
effective maintenance decisions. This information will also be valuable if you sell or transfer your property.

Date Work Done (cleaning, installation etc.) Performed By (installer’s name and phone #)

How often should your tank be pumped? The best method for determining when to pump your
tank is to have it inspected. The tank should be pumped if:
Regular pumping is the most important action you can
take to maintain your system. As the tank fills with solids, • The sum of the solid layers (sludge plus scum) takes
particles are more likely to flow out of the tank and into the up more than half of the tank capacity, or
drainfield. The costs of pumping a septic tank ($50 to $180) • The top of the sludge layer is less than a foot below
are far less than the expense of replacing a drainfield the outlet baffle or tee, or
clogged by escaping solids ($3,000 to $10,000, depend- • The bottom of the scum layer is within three inches of
ing on site conditions and the size of the home). the bottom of the outlet baffle (or top of the outlet tee).

6 HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater
 Pumping as needed, based on the results of an in-
spection, minimizes your maintenance costs and maxi-
mizes the system’s longevity.
You can check your septic system for sludge and scum
accumulation. This process can be a little messy and many
people prefer to have a professional come and inspect the
tank for them. Never use matches or an open flame when
inspecting your septic tank—sewer gases are explosive.
Sludge accumulation can be measured by wrapping a
piece of toweling around the bottom three feet of a 1"x2"x8'
piece of wood. Remove the tank cover and lower the towel
covered end of the pole slowly into the tank until it reaches
the bottom. Hold the pole steady for a few minutes and
then remove it very gently. The dark colored sludge will
discolor the towel. Measure the sludge depth. The tank
should be cleaned if the depth of sludge is over 24 inches.
Scum accumulation can be measured using a stick
that has a weighted flap hinged to the bottom. Construct
the stick so that the weighted end will fall at a 90-degree
angle to the stick. Force the weighted end through the
scum mat. The weighted flap will fall horizontal or perpen-
dicular from the stick once the scum layer is penetrated.
Raise the stick until you can feel resistance of the flap
contacting the bottom of the scum mat. Mark the height
on the stick handle. Next, swing the flap under the outlet
baffle of the bottom of the outlet tee and note the distance
on the handle. If the distance between the two marks is
three inches or less, the tank should be cleaned.
A general rule of thumb is to have a septic tank pumped
by a licensed pumper every three to five years. A better
estimate can be based on the size of your tank, the amount
of wastewater generated in your household, the amount
of solids carried in the wastewater, and the age of the sys-
tem. (See Table 1).
After pumping, the tank should also be inspected by a
professional for cracks and the condition of the baffles.
Leaks should be repaired promptly. Never crawl inside or
lean into a septic tank without proper ventilation and safety
procedures—the gases inside the tank can be deadly.
The distribution box should be periodically checked to be
sure that the outlet pipes are properly leveled. Solids ac-
cumulating in the distribution box indicate damaged baffles, Table 1. Estimated number of years between pumpings.
inadequate septic tank pumping, or that the tank is too
Number of People in Your Household
small to handle the wastewater load. If the system includes
a pump, it should be checked along with the float switch, Tank 1 2 3 4 5 6
alarm, and air vents to the dosing tank or pump chamber. Size
Holding tanks are used for temporary housing in ar- (gal.)
eas where a drainfield or lagoon is not acceptable. They
500 5.5 2.5 1.5 1 .5 .5
must be pumped frequently because they have no outlet.
If you assume that every person in the house uses 25 to 1,000 12 5.5 3.5 2.5 2 .5
75 gallons of water a day, four people can fill a 1,500-gal- 1,500 18.5 9 5.5 4 3 2.5
lon tank in 5 to 15 days. Overflows are a sure sign that you
need to schedule pumping more often. 2,000 25 12 8 5.5 4.5 3.5

HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater 7
How can you protect your drainfield? • Slow or backed-up drains may be caused by a clog in
the house pipes, roof vent, septic tank, or drainfield.
A septic system depends on good soil conditions for • Wet, spongy ground or lush plant growth may appear
treatment and disposal of effluent. Water must be able to near a leaky septic tank or failing drainfield.
percolate through the soil at a reasonable rate. • Repeated intestinal illnesses in your family may occur
• To prevent soil compaction and damage to pipes, do if your water is contaminated by poorly treated waste-
not drive vehicles on drain field. water. Have your drinking water tested regularly for
• Do not pave, build, pile logs, or set a swimming pool coliform bacteria and nitrates.
over the drain field. Soil microbes need oxygen to • Algal blooms and excessive weed growth in nearby
digest wastes. ponds or lakes can be caused by excess phospho-
• Divert roof runoff, footer drains, sump pumps, and other rous or nitrogen from septic systems.
surface runoff away from the drain field. Saturated
soil is less effective at treating wastewater. Respond quickly to any problems you observe. You
• Avoid trees and shrubs whose deep roots can dam- may need to expand or modify your system to avoid fur-
age piping. Grass is the best cover. ther problems. There are many good publications and other
resources to help you decide. See the reference list on
What are the signs of trouble? page 11. Call local contractors or visit an Extension office
to get recommendations. Try to base your decision on what
• Frequent or persistent foul odors in your home or yard is best for the environment and your health. Remember,
tell you that your system is not working well. what may seem to be the least expensive option may not
be economical in the long run.

Assessing Your On-Site System Maintenance

Use the following assessment to begin rating your pollution risks. For each question, put the risk level number (1, 2, or 3) in the
column labeled “Your Risk.” Although some choices may not correspond exactly to your situation, choose the response that best fits.
1. Low Risk / 2. Medium Risk / 3. High Risk / Your
Safest Situation Potential Hazard Unsafe Situation Risk
Maps and A map and good Location of the system
records records of repairs and unknown. No record of
maintenance kept. pumping and repairs kept.
Tank pumping Septic tank pumped every 3-5 Septic tank pumped Septic tank never pumped.
(includes years as determined by annual only when problems Pumping has not been needed
holding tanks) inspection or as recommended occur. in over 20 years. Holding tank
by Table 1. Holding tanks overflows or leaks between
pumped as needed. pumpings.
Condition of Inspection of tank and baffles Condition of tank Tank is cracked or baffles out
tank and for cracks made regularly; baffles unknown. of place.
baffles repairs made promptly.
Drainfield Vehicles and other heavy Vehicles, heavy objects, or
protection objects or activities kept other disturbances permitted
from drainfield area. in area.
Planting, or Grass or other shallow Trees and shrubs planted on
pavement over rooted plantings over or near drainfield. Pavement
drainfield drainfield. put over drainfield.
Signs of Drains flow freely. No sewage Sewage odors noticed in the
trouble odors inside or outside. Soil house or yard. Drains back up.
over drainfield firm and dry. Soil wet or spongy in drainfield
Well water tests negative for area. Well water tests positive
coliform bacteria. for coliform.
Responding to Risks—As always, your goal is to lower your risks. Use the Action Checklist on page 10 to record your medium-
and high-risk practices. Use recommendations in Part 2 to help you make plans to reduce your risks.

8 HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater
Part 3: Reducing Septic or Sewage System Inputs
What solid wastes are acceptable? taining solvents to unclog your system can kill the microbes
needed to digest wastes in your septic tank and drainfield.
Your septic system is not a substitute for the trash can Furthermore, these solvents may contaminate your drink-
or a compost pile. Dispose of tissues, diapers, baby wipes, ing water supply.
sanitary napkins, tampons, cigarette butts, and other solid
waste with regular garbage and not down the toilet. Since Why save water?
these materials do not break down in your system, your
tank fills up faster. Avoid using a garbage grinder (dispose- Reducing the flow of wastewater through the septic
all) in the kitchen sink—it adds to the load in your system. tank allows more time for solids to settle out and reduces
If you do use a garbage grinder, your tank will need to be the chance of solid particles being carried out to the
pumped more frequently. Excess grease, fats, and coffee drainfield. Less water in the drainfield means better aera-
grounds can clog your system. Consider composting food tion for the soil microbes at work in the system.
waste and even some paper wastes as an alternative. There are many steps you can take to reduce the
amount of water you use. Here are a few:
What household chemicals can go down the drain? • Install low-flow toilets to reduce water consumption by
50 percent. Water-saving showerheads and faucets
Wastewater treatment systems are not designed to also help.
neutralize the wide variety of household chemicals used. • Take shorter showers.
Some solvents and pesticides can pass through your sys- • Repair leaky faucets and toilets immediately.
tem and contaminate the ground water. See Hazardous • Don’t run water longer than necessary; for example,
Household Products, Worksheet #5 for information on shut off water when brushing teeth or shaving.
proper disposal of hazardous chemicals. • Wait until the dishwasher and washing machine are
Chemical products advertised to “sweeten” or improve full before running a load.
your septic system operation cannot replace routine pump- • Adjust water softener settings to reduce the amount
ing and may even be harmful. Buying yeasts or enzymes of water needed for back-washing and regeneration.
is not necessary; there are already plenty of the right mi- • Spread out laundry and other major water-using chores
crobes digesting wastes in your system. Additives con- over the week or day.

Table 2. Water use by conventional fixtures and water-savings fixtures and devices.

Conventional Gallons Water-saving Gallons

fixture used fixture/device* used

Toilet 4-6/flush Air-assisted toilet 0.5/flush

Showerhead 4-6/min. Low-flow 2.0/min.

Faucets: Faucet-flow-control aerators:

Bathroom and kitchen 2-3/min. Bathroom 0.5/min.
Kitchen 1.5/min.

Top-loading clothes washer 40-55/load Front-loading clothes washer 22-33/load

*Installation of all these water-saving devices could reduce water use by about 35 percent.
Source: Penn State Coop. Ext. Circ. 302.

HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater 9
Assessing Your Septic or Sewage System Inputs
Use the following assessment to begin rating your pollution risks. For each question, put the risk level number (1, 2, or 3) in the
column labeled “Your Risk.” Although some choices may not correspond exactly to your situation, choose the response that best fits.

1. Low Risk / 2. Medium Risk / 3. High Risk / Your

Safest Situation Potential Hazard Unsafe Situation Risk
Solid No garbage grinder Moderate use of Heavy use of garbage grinder
wastes (dispose-all) in kitchen. No garbage grinder and and disposal of many solids.
grease or coffee grounds use of sink for Many paper and plastic
down drain. Only toilet occasional disposal of products flushed down the
tissue in toilet. some solids. toilet.
Cleaners, Careful use of household Moderate use of Heavy use of cleaning
solvents, and chemicals (paint, cleaning, cleaning products and products that end up in
other chemicals products). No solvents, occasional disposal of wastewater. Disposal of
(including fuels, or other hazardous hazardous household hazardous chemicals in
holding tanks) chemicals poured down chemicals in wastewater.
drain. wastewater system.
Water Water-conserving Some water-conserving High volume standard
conservation fixtures and practices used. steps taken (low-flow bathroom fixtures used
Drips and leaks fixed showerhead, fully loaded (toilets, showers). No effort
immediately. washing machine or to conserve water. Leaks not
dishwasher. repaired.
Water usage Laundry and other major Several water-using
water uses spread out appliances and fixtures in use
over the week. in a short period of time.

Responding to Risks—As always, your goal is to lower your risks. Use the Action Checklist on page 10 to record your medium-
and high-risk practices. Use recommendations in Part 2 to help you make plans to reduce your risks.

Action Checklist down the improvements you plan to make. Use recom-
It is easy to understand how household wastewater mendations from the Low Risk category and from other
systems can be ignored—out of sight, out of mind. But resources to decide upon an action you are likely to com-
what you do or don’t do to maintain your system may af- plete. A target date will keep you on schedule. You don’t
fect the health of your family, your neighborhood, or the have to do everything at once, but try to eliminate the most
environment. Go back over the assessment charts and serious risks as soon as you can. Often it helps to tackle
look for the high and medium risks you identified. Record the inexpensive actions first.
them below. For each medium and high risk found, write

List high and medium risks What can you do to reduce the risk? Target date for action
Sample: Low area over drainfield is Have drainfield inspected for blockages One week from today:
always wet. and clean as needed. Divert surface runoff. November 23, 1997

10 HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater
Who to contact for more information Home*A*Syst Cares About Your Safety
about home wastewater This Home*A*Syst assessment does not cover all
management potential risks due to wastewater which could affect health
or environmental quality. There are other worksheets avail-
No matter where you live, there are people in agen- able on a variety of topics to help homeowners examine
cies such as Cooperative Extension, health departments, and address their most important environmental concerns.
This worksheet was adapted from Elaine Andrews,
and environmental resources who can help. Pumpers,
the National Farm*A*Syst Program, Environmental Re-
contractors, and laboratories are valuable sources of in- sources Center, Cooperative Extension, University of Wis-
formation as well. consin-Extension.
This publication, Home*A*Syst: An Environmental
Household Wastewater Treatment and Local Risk Assessment Guide for the Home, NRAES-87, is avail-
Regulations able from National Regional Agricultural Engineering Ser-
vices. Please contact NRAES for more information about
Contact your city or county health department. the publication or about pricing and quantity discounts.

A Statewide Regulation of Private Sewage Systems Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Services
Cooperative Extension
Contact the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Qual- 152 Riley-Robb Hall
ity (DEQ) at 405-271-1400. Ithaca, New York 14853-5701
Phone: (607) 255-7654 Fax: (607) 254-8770
E-mail: nraes@cornell.edu
Requirements for Land Application
Consult the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Qual-
ity (DEQ) at 405-271-1400.

Small and Alternative Wastewater Treatment

Other Oklahom*A*Syst publications
The Oklahom*A*Syst Assessment system includes
Technologies worksheets for owners of farms and ranches. The Farm &
National Small Flows Clearinghouse, West Virginia Uni- Ranch*A*Syst worksheet topics include:
versity, PO Box 6064, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506- 1. Drinking Water Well Condition
6064, or call 1-800-624-8301. 2. Pesticide Storage and Handling
3. Fertilizer Storage and Handling
Small Scale Treatment Project 4. Petroleum Product Storage
5. Hazardous Waste Management
University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1450 Linden Drive, Madi-
6. Household Wastewater Treatment
son, Wisconsin 53706, phone 608-262-6968 or 608-262-
7. Swine, Dairy, and Beef Cattle Waste Management
0853.
8. Poultry Waste Management

Drinking Water Quality Standards For more information about Farm & Ranch*A*Syst,
contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.
Call the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)
Safe Drinking Water Hotline toll free 1-800-426-4791 from
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater 11
 Oklahom*A*Syst Assessment Programs
Home*A*Syst and Farm & Ranch*A*Syst

Oklahom*A*Syst was created to help Oklahomans con- 3. Fertilizer Storage and Handling
trol the level of risk associated with their environment. The 4. Petroleum Product Storage
Farm & Ranch*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst assessments are 5. Hazardous Waste Management
designed to help you identify, understand, and reduce risks 6. Household Wastewater Treatment
in and around your home, farm, and ranch. Both programs 7. Swine, Dairy, and Beef Cattle Waste Management
contain worksheets that evaluate activities common to homes, 8. Poultry Waste Management
farms, or ranches that can pose a threat to water quality and
provide suggestions for reducing those risks.
Oklahom*A*Syst assessment programs are confidential as-
Home*A*Syst
sessments that you can use on your own or by consulting an Many household activities can threaten your family’s
expert. You decide what to do with the results of your as- health and the environment. Home*A*Syst is designed to
sessment and keep your action plan in your private records. help homeowners understand and reduce the potential risks
to water quality in and around their home. Like Farm & Ranch
Farm & Ranch*A*Syst A*Syst, Home*A*Syst includes a site assessment, to help
homeowners locate potential hazards by drawing a map of
Farm & Ranch*A*Syst uses step-by step worksheets that their homesite.
rank each farm or ranch activity or structure that could cause The Home*A*Syst worksheet topics include:
ground water contamination. The rankings and companion 1. Site Assessment
fact sheets help you develop an overall action plan for pro- 2. Drinking Water Well Maintenance
tecting your drinking water. Oklahoma Farm & Ranch*A*Syst 3. Septic Systems
also provides information on technical, educational, and fi- 4. Liquid Fuels
nancial assistance for carrying out your plan. 5. Household Hazardous Waste
The Farm and Ranch*A*Syst worksheet topics include:
1. Drinking Water Well Condition For more information about these programs, con-
2. Pesticide Storage and Handling tact your local Extension office.

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment,
financial aid, and educational services.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Samuel E. Curl,
Director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State
University as authorized by the Dean of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of $519.90
for 1,000 copies. #8858 0397 MSC.

12 HOME*A*SYST
Household Wastewater