Hendry Creek Basin onsite treatment and disposal systems: Implementing a voluntary homeowner management program

Onsite treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), the most common example being septic systems, are considered one of the top contributors to non-point source pollution. However, if OSTDS are sited, designed and maintained properly, they can be an environmentally friendly and cost-effective tool for wastewater management in low-medium density areas.

The overall goals of this pilot project, which was located in south Lee County, were to:

1. Determine if a homeowner education management program of onsite treatment and disposal systems, commonly know as septic systems, would promote improved water quality in the Hendry Creek subbasin, thus assisting in the removal of this subbasin from the impaired waters list by lowering nutrient and fecal coliform loads and increasing dissolved oxygen

2. Transfer the concepts of OSTDS management to the county/regional level and explore management tools with community stakeholders.

• Final report (49 mg)

• Final report without appendixes (3 mg)

Septic System Tips

• Have a licensed contractor pump and inspect your system every two to three years, as well as any time you suspect a problem.

  • Do not wait for signs of a problem before having your system serviced, a septic system needs routine maintenance to ensure proper functioning just like your car does.

  • Pooling of water on or near the drainfield, spotty die-off of vegetation on the drainfield, bad smells near the drainfield, or backup of wastewater into the home may all be an indication of a problem.

• Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater being treated and disposed of through your septic system.

  • Using more water than what your system is designed to handle may lead to failure.

  • Make sure your water use matches your system design.

• Minimize garbage disposal use.

  • Although food is biodegradable, undigested food will take longer to degrade than digested food and may therefore overload your system.

• Divert surface water away from your septic tank and drain field.

  • Flooding of the drain field will result in inadequate treatment of wastewater, which may result in ground and/or surface water pollution.

  • During times of heavy rain reduce water use, for example wait to do laundry or reduce the number of loads.

• Do not flush female sanitary products or any other non-biodegradable trash.

  • Solids will build up in the tank and may cause clogs and malfunctions, including back ups into the home.

• Do not plant trees or shrubs on or near your tank or drain field.

  • Root systems are naturally drawn to moisture and can invade and cause costly damage to both the septic tank and drainfield.

  • Grass or other forms of non-invasive groundcover should be used to landscape on and near your septic system. 

• Do not park or drive vehicles over the drain field.

  • The weight of vehicles, and other heavy objects, can cause collapse of your septic tank and compaction of soils. 

• Do not dump chemicals down drains this can disrupt biological functioning of the drain field.

  • Minimize the use of caustic cleaning and drain opening chemicals, baking soda is a good alternative for cleaning, while hot water of a drain snake can be used to unclog a sink.

  • Other hazardous chemicals, such as paints, varnishes, pesticides, medicines etc., should be disposed of following local waste management guidelines.

• Use liquid laundry soap instead of powders.

  • Powder soaps re-solidify and can cause a build up of residue within your septic system.

• Use a hair catcher in your bathtub drain to limit the amount of pet or human hair entering the system. 

  • Hair accumulates in your system and does not breakdown over time.