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A Guide to Your Septic System

9/22/2026

Read and follow the Dos and Don’ts listed below:

Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed.
Repair leaking faucets and toilets promptly.
Only discharge biodegradable wastes into system.
Divert down spouts and other surface water away from your soil treatment area
Keep your septic tank cover accessible for tank inspections and pumping. • If lid is at grade, make sure lid is locked or secured and if possible, a secondary safety device is installed. •
Have your effluent screen inspected and cleaned once a year. Make sure that the screen is ALWAYS replaced after cleaning. •
Have your septic tank pumped regularly and inspected for leaks and cracks. •
Call a professional when you have problems. •
Compost your garbage or put it in the trash instead of putting it down the sink. •
Make sure any water conditioning or softening equipment is approved for use with your system and that it is properly set for your water conditioning/softening needs and operating correctly.

DON’T

Flush wipes, sanitary napkins, tampons, disposable diapers, condoms, cat litter and such products into your system. •
Dump solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides or poisons down the drain; these can disrupt the treatment process and contaminate groundwater. •
Dig in your soil treatment area or build anything over it. •
Plant anything over your soil treatment area except grass. •
Drive over your soil treatment area or compact the soil in any way. •
Use a garbage disposal. (They are not recommended, but if one is present, make sure the system is designed with appropriate additional capacity.) SAFETY FIRST! •

NEVER physically enter a septic tank or other parts of the treatment system.

Call your service provider! • Keep access areas locked at all times to prevent unauthorized entry; if possible add a secondary safety device to prevent accidents.

DOWNLOAD HOMEOWNERS SEPTIC SYSTEM GUIDE

Key Fertilizer Recommendations

9/10/2026

Buy phosphorus-free: Look for a zero in the middle of the N-P-K nutrient analysis on the fertilizer bag, such as 20-0-10. The middle number represents the phosphorus content.
Choose slow-release nitrogen: Opt for fertilizers with at least 25% slow-release nitrogen. This allows your lawn to absorb nutrients over time, reducing the risk of runoff.
Use organic fertilizers: Organic fertilizers, like worm castings, release nutrients slowly and improve soil health without introducing harmful synthetic chemicals. They are less likely to contaminate groundwater.
Create a buffer zone: Do not apply any fertilizer within a 10 to 30-foot buffer zone adjacent to the lake or other waterways. Planting native, deep-rooted vegetation in this area will help filter runoff.
Mind your application: Use a drop spreader instead of a rotary spreader near the water to prevent granules from scattering directly into the lake.
Clean up: Sweep up fertilizer released onto a hard surface, such as a sidewalk or driveway promptly.
Timing is key: Do not apply fertilizer before a heavy rainfall or on frozen ground, as this significantly increases runoff.
Don't use "weed-and-feed": These products contain unnecessary pesticides and are often applied where they aren't needed, causing further harm to the water.

Don’t Rake Into the Lake

9/10/2026

As fall approaches, it’s tempting to rake leaves and yard debris toward the shoreline but what seems like a harmless shortcut can have an impact on lake water quality.
Leaves, grass clippings, and other organic material contain nutrients. When they wash or are blown into the lake, those nutrients can contribute to excessive plant and algae growth. Decaying organic material can also affect water clarity and oxygen levels.

The simple solution? Keep yard waste out of the lake.
Instead of raking leaves into the water, collect them for composting, use them as mulch, or dispose of them according to local guidelines. And when possible, leave a natural buffer of native vegetation along the shoreline. It can help slow runoff and capture nutrients before they reach the water.

A little extra effort in the yard can make a big difference in the lake.

Don’t rake into the lake. Keep those nutrients on land—and help keep our lakes clear.

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A Guide to Your Septic System

Key Fertilizer Recommendations

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