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The Wastewater Management Plan provides management recommendations
for on-site sewage management systems serving a single family residence
(septic system) as well as recommendations to better manage the use of
larger private decentralized systems that treat wastewater generated by
more than one property or residence. The most common on-site sewage
management systems with the Metro Water District are septic systems;
therefore the term septic system and on-site sewage management system
are used interchangeably.
Approximately one-fifth of residential wastewater and one-tenth of all the wastewater generated in the District is treated by septic systems. The percentage of wastewater treated by septic systems is anticipated to decline as population density increases and more sewer service is made available. Septic systems have been proven to be an environmentally sound method for on-site wastewater treatment when properly designed, sited, constructed, and maintained. When they are not, they can become a source of ground and surface water contamination, as well as a public health hazard. It is important to avoid potential problems with these systems by ensuring they are installed, operated, and managed properly. The Wastewater Management Plan provides continued emphasis on planning, management and maintenance of on-site wastewater systems.
The Wastewater Management Plan includes requirements for improved planning and management in the following areas:
Septic System Education Materials
Local jurisdictions are responsible for educating homeowners about how to properly maintain their septic systems. The following educational materials are available:
The District has worked with the Septic System Subcommittee to develop a septic system maintenance folder for homeowners. This folder is available to any jurisdiction in the District. Contact us if you would like more information on customizing this brochure for your community.
The Clean Water Campaign has also developed materials to help educate homeowners about proper septic system maintenance.
The Septic Systems Status and Issues Working Paper was developed in 2005 / 2006 to better understand the issues surrounding septic systems in the District.