June 19, 2019

Erda and Stansbury Park Well Head Source Protection

Septic tanks could pose the greatest risk to public and private wells? The average time for pathogen inactivation to occur in soil is about 250 days. What you put into the septic system greatly affects its ability to do its job. As a general rule, do not dispose of anything in the septic system that can be put in the trash. Septic systems have living organisms that digest and treat the waste. Your system is not designed to be a garbage can, the more solids that go in the septic system the more frequently the tank will need to be pumped. In an effort to protect the drinking water supply for Erda, and Stansbury Park, the following information is provided and is recommended as best management practices.

The “Do” for septic systems:

• Dispose of solids separately. The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are wastewater and toilet paper.

• Dispose of grease with the regular garbage.

• Use household cleaners, such as bleach, disinfectants, and toilet bowl cleaners in moderation and in accordance with product labels. Overuse of these products can harm the system.

• Dispose of leftover medications to your pharmacy.

• Have your septic system inspected annually.

The “Don’t” for septic systems:

• Avoid disposing of cigarette butts, paper towels, sanitary tampons, condoms, disposable diapers, anything plastic, or similar non-biodegradables into a septic tank system.

• Avoid washing food scraps, coffee grinds, and other food items down the drain. Avoid using a garbage disposal of kitchen waste. In-sink garbage disposal units can increase sludge accumulation by 40%.

• Avoid water softeners. Studies have shown that water softener brine regeneration wastes not only harm the bacteria in the wastewater treatment system, they can also cause the septic tank itself to discharge greater concentrations of solids, grease, and oil into the drain field.

Active and abandon wells could pose the next greatest risk because they may act as a direct conduit for pollutants to enter the ground water.

Agriculture and residential pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers could pose the next greatest risks. Avoid storing large quantities near wells and always use according to manufacture recommendations.

If you have any questions about this letter and best management practices listed, please contact Brett Palmer, at the Stansbury Park Improvement District. 435-882-7922