The Septic System 101 webinar is presented by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and provides an overview of how septic systems function and the best practices to maintain them. The webinar stresses the importance of regular inspections, pumping regularly (3-5 years), and not flushing non-biodegradable items or overloading the system with excessive water use. The webinar also teaches you how to recognize warning signs of failure such as slow drains, sewage odors, or standing water near the drain field. Going off this, the webinar also covers the impact of failing septic systems on groundwater and local ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of responsible system management. 

This is a free online interactive training program designed to educate the general public and residential owners on the effective management of their septic systems. The topics include the importance of wastewater treatment, components of onsite systems, an overview of treatment in an onsite system, final treatment and dispersal methods, maintenance practices, safety considerations, and system troubleshooting. Although for Lyndon this would primarily be helpful to homeowners, the training could also be beneficial for realtors and local health officials. 

The document provides detailed information about the design, permitting, cost, and maintenance of septic systems. It explains when an engineered system is required, which is typically when there is poor soil permeability, high water tables, or limited space, and outlines various technologies available. These include standard drain fields, elevated sand mounds, packed-bed filters, aerobic treatment units, and lagoons. Along with this, the document advises homeowners on choosing an independent contractor to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the system. 

The section explaining septic systems reviews statistics on the amount of households in the U.S. which contain septic systems (>1 in 5) along with the many ways in which septic systems are called and the benefits of using this system (environmental, economic, public). Along with education on what is the septic system, it provides webinar links and frequently asked questions. The care and maintenance section not only provides maintenance information but also what to do in case of malfunctions and the interaction of septic systems and water sources.

The maintenance of a septic system should be done every 3-5, depending on the size and amount of people in the household. To prolong its life, the document gives the following recommendations: minimize the amount of water entering the system, avoid using a garbage disposal unit, don’t release non-degradable materials, don’t release toxic chemicals and medications, keep the surface properly drained, avoid impermeable surfaces over the drain field, adding an effluent filter, staying away from additives.

The Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Septic System Education program provides a comprehensive collection of resources to help homeowners properly manage and maintain their septic systems. By utilizing these materials, homeowners can extend the life of their systems, protect their property, and safeguard the environment. Available resources include Managing Your Septic System, a guide covering system design, maintenance, and best practices, information on Planting on Your Septic Drain Field, which offers guidance on landscaping choices that prevent system damage and promote proper function and much more. Additionally, the program features recorded webinars. 

This pamphlet provides an outline for homeowners on how to keep records on their septic system, fill-in-the-blank style. It also contains information on how to properly manage your septic system, including a detailed overview of what septic systems are and how they work.