The next Penn State Water Resources webinar will focus on the proper management of onlot septic systems starting at 1 p.m. on November 28.

Dana Rizzo, a water resources extension educator with Penn State Extension and the Westmoreland Conservation District, will present this 60-minute webinar.

Proper wastewater treatment helps to protect your health and the environment. Household wastewater from sinks, toilets, washing machines, and showers carries dirt, soap, food, grease, and human waste down the drain and out of your house.

Wastewater also carries disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens as well as nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic wastes. Onlot septic systems are designed to remove or breakdown these contaminants before they enter groundwater-the source of drinking water via wells or springs-or nearby lakes, streams, or wetlands.

Wastewater treatment is often out-of-sight and out-of-mind until problems occur. Problems are inevitable if you aren’t caring for your onlot septic system properly so knowing the basics about your household system and taking simple precautions can prevent problems.

It’s a wise investment to keep your system working well because replacing a failed system can cost thousands of dollars. If you need to install a new system or replace a system, you will also learn about DEP approved alternative options to traditional septic systems.

This webinar will be offered from noon to 1 p.m. and is accessible through the Water Resources webpage.  You can access this webinar simply by signing in as a "guest."

Taped versions of each webinar in the series are also available online.

If you have not registered for past water webinars, please visit the following website to register so we can keep you updated about future webinar offerings.

(Reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.)

11/26/2012