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.
Guides and Publications $39.00
This award-winning activity kit will introduce youth ages 12 and up and adults to exploring and understanding pollution issues in a small watershed. More
Articles After the Flood – Recovery Considerations for Rural Pennsylvanians
Jennifer R Fetter, Leon Ressler, Andy Yencha
Parts of Pennsylvania were drenched with heavy rains and flooded streams recently. In addition to drying out wet basements, there are few important things that rural Pennsylvanian’s might want to pay special attention to. More
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
Multiple Options Available
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
Videos The video provides information on the importance of water conservation and offers tips on reducing your water usage. 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
Articles Although your septic system may work well during dry weather, too much water from flooding or heavy rains can cause problems. More
Guides and Publications Water Conservation for Communities
Bryan Swistock
28
$4.00
Help your community learn how to conserve water. 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 Coliform Bacteria
Bryan Swistock, William Sharpe, Ph.D.
This article describes what coliform bacteria are, where they come from and how to remove them from drinking water. More
Articles Helping Realtors Understand On-Lot Wastewater Inspections
Albert Jarrett, Ph.D.
As part of the “home inspection” process, realtors need to understand who should conduct on-lot disposal system inspections and what outcomes to expect. 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
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
Articles On-lot septic systems typically consist of a treatment tank and a soil absorption area which is commonly called a leach field or drainfield. 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
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
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
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
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 Examples of alternate systems include: Steep Slope Elevated Sand Mounds, Drip Disposal, Chamber Systems, and Peat Filters. 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 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
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
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 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