Private Septic Systems
Private Septic Systems
Information on wastewater management of private septic systems, including on-lot wastewater systems health, water conservation, filtration and drip irrigation. Tips on using dyes and tracers to confirm septic system failures and funding for repairs.
Webinars Onlot Septic: Proper Care, Maintenance and Alternatives
Watch Now
1 hour
Free
This webinar describes basic septic system functions, components, reasons for failures, and steps to prevent failures. More
Workshops Home Water and Septic Workshop
05/22/2018
New Tripoli, PA
Free
Understand your drinking water supply and septic systems. Learn how to protect, test, and treat water from wells and springs, and how to maintain and inspect your septic system. More
What is sewage sludge and what can be done with it?
Richard Stehouwer, Ph.D.
In this document, “sewage sludge” will refer to wastewater treatment solids generally, and “biosolids” will refer specifically to material that is suitable for land application. More
Articles Managing Your On-Lot Septic System
George Hurd
About 25 percent of all housing units in Pennsylvania use on-lot septic systems for the treatment and disposal of household wastewater. More
Keeping On-lot Wastewater Systems Healthy
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
Education and guidance for homeowners with on-lot wastewater disposal systems about how to keep their systems healthy. More
Hydraulic Load Test
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
The Hydraulic Load Test is included as a component of the PSMA On-Lot Wastewater Inspection. More
Articles Major repairs or replacement of septic system and drinking water wells can be costly, but there are sources of financial assistance for homeowners. More
Articles Water Conservation - How Much Water and Money Can You Save?
Bryan Swistock
Determine how much water you currently use and the amount of water and money you could save by installing water-conserving devices. More
Use of Dyes and Tracers to Confirm Septic System Failures
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
Commercially available dyes and tracers can be used where additional testing is needed to detect or confirm on-lot sewage disposal system malfunctions. More
Septic Tank Pumping
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
Septic tanks should be inspected and pumped on a regular basis to prevent malfunctions. More
Site Evaluation for On-lot Sewage Systems
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
Proper design and operation of an on-lot sewage system hinges on the ability of the soil to absorb and renovate the wastewater flowing from the treatment tank. More
PSMA On-lot Wastewater Treatment Inspection vs. A Regulatory Inspection
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
The local Sewage Enforcement Officer focuses on system malfunctions. The PSMA certified septic tank inspector focuses on the overall condition of your system. More
Septic Tank Exit Filters
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
Adding a filter to the exit baffle of a septic tank serves as the final opportunity to capture and remove partially settled particles in the wastewater. More
On-Lot Wastewater Systems; The Basics
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
The components and function of on-lot wastewater systems and the regulatory system governing their use is described. More
Individual Residential Spray Irrigation Systems (IRSIS)
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
The Individual Residential Spray Irrigation System was developed and is designed to treat wastewater for sites with certain restrictive soil conditions. More