If you own a house on septic, follow these simple guidelines:

• HAVE YOUR SEPTIC TANK PUMPED OUT every 3 years
• DO NOT FLUSH THE FOLLOWING:
  Dental floss, Feminine hygiene products, Condoms, Diapers, Cotton swabs, Cigarette butts, Coffee grounds, Cat litter, Paper towels
• DO NOT FLUSH hazardous chemicals into your septic system
• AVOID dumping fats, oils or greases into sink (use empty can, let solidify, throw away in garbage)
• AVOID well water treatment systems that discharge or backwash into septic tank
• AVOID flushing latex paints, paint thinners, anti-freeze, gasoline, oil, or pesticides into septic tank
• DO NOT use any additives that are reported/ advertised to help your septic tank (yeast, system cleaners, etc); they can cause permanent septic damage, even failure
• New septic systems regulations require that the size of septic tanks be increased by 250 gallons if garbage disposals are included
• Remember, if you have a septic system and private well, what you flush eventually ends up becoming what you drink!
• Homeowners should not allow any heavy machinery to be driven over any part of the septic system.
• Be sure that if you own an irrigation system, that it is located at least 10 feet away from your septic system.

Be advised that the following activities may require a permit:

• Driveways (except septic systems with H20 load rating)
• Landscape/ excavation work/ filling
• Irrigation systems (must be at least 10')
• Retaining walls
• Any drainage work
• Outdoor jacuzzis/ hot tubs

Check with your local building department, and consult with ESDHD if any of these activities are proposed in the septic system area.