Septic systems require care and maintenance.
This workshop has been cancelled. Please contact us directly if you have questions or are looking for resources to assist you by emailing us at info@conservationdistrict.org.
This May, Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District and Clackamas River Water Providers are offering a FREE Septic System workshop for homeowners.
“Know Your Septic System – Check It, Fix It and Maintain It!”
- Thursday, May 17th, 2018
- 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Lewis & Clark Montessori School – 15600 SE 232nd Dr., Damascus, OR 97089
Community members who attend this FREE workshop will have an opportunity to:
- Learn how septic systems work
- Learn how to properly maintain a septic system
- Recognize signs of septic system failure
- Become familiar with County codes and permits for septic systems
- Find technical and financial assistance
- Receive FREE well-water nitrate screening
Workshop participants may bring a sample of their private well water to be screened for nitrates. Knowing what is in your water can impact your health. Directions for collecting water samples may be found here.
To register, please contact Tami Guttridge by email or by calling 503-210-6000.
Well maintained and properly functioning septic systems provide effective onsite wastewater treatment and allow groundwater to be recharged on site.
Proper care and maintenance of septic systems can help keep homeowners and their neighbors healthy and protect drinking water and our environment. For homeowners, proper care can also prevent costly repairs or replacement of systems, protect property values, and conserve water.
Check out these useful SepticSmart tips:
- Protect It and Inspect It: In general, homeowners should have their system inspected every three years by a licensed contractor and have their tank pumped when necessary, generally every three to five years.
- Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down the drain, which can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.
- Don’t Overload the Commode: Ask guests to only to put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. For example, avoid coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, and cat litter. These items clog and potentially damage septic systems.
- Don’t Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and spread out water use. Consider fixing plumbing leaks and installing faucet aerators and water-efficient products, and spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day. Too much water at once can overload a system if it hasn’t been pumped recently.
- Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on a system’s drainfield, where the vehicle’s weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow.
Partners in this workshop are Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, Clackamas River Water Providers, Clackamas County, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.