WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS
Wastewater/Septic Waste Tips for Cleaner Waterways
Recreational Wastewater Pollutants
Summer is here and there’s no better time to get out and have some camping fun while appreciating the beauty of our natural surroundings. But camping may not be all fun and games if it harms our environment. That’s why it’s important to understand the role recreational pollutants play on the environment. RV wastewater (black or grey water) can harm our creeks, rivers, and the ocean if not disposed of properly. Properly disposing of RV waste at appropriate RV dump stations can help protect the environment and ensure more recreational enjoyment for years to come. Check out our interactive dump station map and RV Users Guide for proper disposal tips to help your experience at the RV dump station go smoothly and safely.
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Household Wastewater Pollutants
Just like RV wastewater, household wastewater from toilets, showers, and sinks can also pose an environmental threat if your septic system is not properly maintained. To maintain your septic system and prevent failures from happening, follow these simple tips:
- Place food waste in the trash or compost bin. Too much food waste down the drain can prevent bacteria from breaking down solids in the septic tank.
- Trash solid materials like “flushables” and baby wipes, sanitary products, and cotton balls since these will not break down and may clog pipes. Only toilet paper should enter the septic system. See our Don’t Rush to Flush bulletin for more tips on flushing do’s and don’ts, and the Wipes Clog Pipes video from the Olivenhain Municipal Water District.
- Take chemicals to a local household hazardous waste collection facility instead of dumping down the drain. Do not use chemical additives as septic systems do not require any additional chemicals to function properly.
- Monitor water flow into your system. Excessive water can push solids into your leach lines, creating blockages that cause the system to fail.
- Regularly pump your tank with a licensed septic pumping professional. Consult with a professional to determine your household’s ideal pumping frequency.
Visit the County’s Septic Rebate Program webpage which offers $100 rebates to residents in unincorporated areas of the county to pump their septic tanks.
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