If you own a home with a septic system and have ever wondered how it works
or the best ways to maintain it, the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation
District offers a workshop, “Know Your Septic System – Check It, Fix It,
Maintain It!”

The free event will include information on signs of septic system failure and
regulations regarding repairs or replacements.

The workshop will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Boring-
Damascus Grange Hall, 27861 SE Grange Street in Boring.

Proper care and maintenance of septic systems can help keep homeowners
and their neighbors healthy and protect drinking water and our environment.
For homeowners, proper care can also prevent costly repairs or replacement
of systems, protect property values, and conserve water.

Check out these useful SepticSmart tips:
– Protect It and Inspect It: In general, homeowners should have their system
inspected every three years by a licensed contractor and have their tank
pumped when necessary, generally every three to five years.
– Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down the drain,
which can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.
– Don’t Overload the Commode: Ask guests to only to put things in the drain
or toilet that belong there. For example, coffee grounds, dental floss,
disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts and
cat litter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems.
– Don’t Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and spread out water use.
Consider fixing plumbing leaks, installing faucet aerators and water-efficient
products and spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day.
Too much water at once can overload a septic system if it hasn’t been
pumped recently.
– Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on your system’s
drainfield. A vehicle’s weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt
underground flow.

Attendees who have drinking water wells on their property will have the
opportunity to bring a sample of their well water for nitrate screening.
For information on sample collection, go to the septic system article on our
website https://conservationdistrict.org.

Space is limited and attendees can reserve a seat by calling 503-210-6000 or
emailing tguttridge@conservationdistrict.org.

“Know Your Septic System – Check It, Fix It, Maintain It!” is sponsored by
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, Clackamas River Water
Providers, Clackamas County and Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality.