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
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This webinar describes basic septic system functions, components, reasons for failures, and steps to prevent failures. 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
Articles On-Lot Filtration and Advanced Treatment Units
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
There are many Filtration and Advanced treatment units (FATU's) approved for use in On-Lot Wastewater Systems in Pennsylvania. More
On-lot Wastewater Inspections During Real Estate Transactions
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
The Pennsylvania Septage Management Association and the National Onsite Wastewater Education and Research Foundation have developed standards and procedures for on-lot wastewater system inspections. More
Articles Geotextile Sand Filter (GSF) On-Lot Systems
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
The Geotextile Sand Filter (GSF) on-lot sewage disposal system can be designed and installed on sites with restrictive soil conditions. More
Articles Drip-Irrigation Micro-Mound
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
The Drip-Irrigation Micro-Mound On-Lot Wastewater System is a method of distributing treatment tank (septic or aerobic) effluent to the natural soil. More
Elevated Sand Mounds for On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
An elevated sand mound is a constructed mound of sandy fill material placed on top of the 20 to 60 inches of natural or prevailing soil. More
Articles Drip Irrigation On-lot Sewage Disposal System
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
Drip Irrigation is an Alternate On-Lot Sewage Disposal System. More
Articles At-Grade and Shallow At-Grade On-Lot Systems
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
At-Grade systems are an approved disposal method for on-lot wastewater in Pennsylvania. More
An Examination of Failing Private Septic Systems in Pennsylvania
Rick Day, Ph.D.
Results of a Penn State study on the condition of septic systems statewide, funded by a grant from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. More
Aerobic Treatment Units
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
Aerobic treatment units, also called activated sludge tanks, are a common method of biological treatment used in municipal wastewater treatment facilities. More
Articles Examples of alternate systems include: Steep Slope Elevated Sand Mounds, Drip Disposal, Chamber Systems, and Peat Filters. More