Onsite Waste Management Educational Resouces

Note: the entire Arizona Water Quality Educational Materials document is available as a PDF file (828 kB).

Title: Antibacterial Products in Septic Systems
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Web Site: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/quarterly.html
Phone #: 520-621-7177
Cost: free on web
Audience: general public
Abstract: Arizona Cooperative Extension fact sheet AZ1258, 2001, 2 pp., PDF (55 kb).

Title: Inspecting Your Household Septic System
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Web Site: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/quarterly.html
Phone #: 520-621-7177
Cost: free on web
Audience: general public
Abstract: Arizona Cooperative Extension fact sheet AZ1159, 2000, 3 pp., PDF (24 kb).

Title: Maintaining Your Septic Tank
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Web Site: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/quarterly.html
Phone #: 520-621-7177
Cost: free on web
Audience: general public
Abstract: Arizona Cooperative Extension fact sheet AZ1160, 2000, 2 pp., PDF (76 kb).

Title: Managing Your Household Septic System
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Web Site: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/quarterly.html
Phone #: 520-621-7177
Cost: free on web
Audience: general public
Abstract: Arizona Cooperative Extension fact sheet AZ1161, 2000, 3 pp., PDF (28 kb).

Title: Operation and Maintenance Tips for Your Septic System
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Web Site: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/quarterly.html
Phone #: 520-621-7177
Cost: free on web
Audience: general public
Abstract: Arizona Cooperative Extension fact sheet AZ1175, 2000, 2 pp., PDF (23 kb).

Title: RV Holding-Tank Treatments & Deodorizers in Septic Systems
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Web Site: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/quarterly.html
Phone #: 520-621-7177
Cost: free on web
Audience: general public
Abstract: Arizona Cooperative Extension fact sheet AZ1233, 2001, 2 pp., PDF (30 kb).

Title: Understanding Your Household Septic System
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Web Site: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/quarterly.html
Phone #: 520-621-7177
Cost: free on web
Audience: general public
Abstract: Arizona Cooperative Extension fact sheet AZ1158, 2000, 2 pp., PDF (295 kb).

Title: Septic System Owner's Guide
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Web Site: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/quarterly.html
Phone #: 520-621-7177
Cost: $8.50 plus $3.00 shipping/handling (volume discounts available)
Audience: general public
Abstract: A folder to assist owners of onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal systems to properly operate and maintain those systems. Folder contains several Arizona Cooperative Extension fact sheets, University of Minnesota booklet Septic System Owner's Guide, National Small Flows Clearinghouse pamphlet Your Septic System: A Reference Guide for Homeowners, and a Soap and Detergent Association fact sheet Septic Tank Systems and Household Cleaning Products, as well as areas to record system location and maintenance information. 2001, 44 pp., available for purchase online.

Title: The Composting Toilet System Book: A practical guide to choosing, planning and maintaining composting toilet systems, an alternative to sewer and septic systems
Source: The Center for Ecological Pollution Prevention
Address: P.O. Box 1330, Concord, MA 01742-1330
Phone #: 978-369-9440
Web Site:
Cost: $33.25 (plus shipping & handling)
Audience: general public
Abstract: Composting toilet systems and other ecological wastewater management methods are emerging as viable and cost-saving alternatives to wastewater disposal systems worldwide. Find out why-and how to choose, install, and maintain them. In the book, you will find descriptions of more than 40 systems – both manufactured and site-built – and their sources; compatible toilet stools and micro-flush toilets; tips on choosing, planning, installing, and maintaining your composting toilet system; the experiences of owner-operators worldwide; graywater reuse systems; and regulations and advice about getting your system approved.

Title: The Septic System Owner's Manual
Source: Shelter Publications, Inc.
Address: P.O. Box 279, Bolinas, CA 94924
Phone #: 800-307-0131, 415-868-0280
Cost: $14.95, plus $3.95 shipping charges
Audience: general public
Abstract: This book describes the conventional gravity-fed septic system, how it works, how it should be treated (what should and should not go down the drain), how it should be maintained, and what to do if things go wrong. There is also basic information on the recent evolution in composting toilet systems, designs for simple graywater systems, and some of the typical alternatives to the standard, gravity-fed septic systems.

Title: Wastewater Treatment Alternatives for Small Communities
Source: The Ohio State University
Address: Karen Mancel, Agricultural Engineering, The Ohio State University, 590 Woody Hayes, Drive, Columbus, OH 43210
Phone #: 614-292-6131
Cost:
Audience: educators, general public
Abstract: Part of an educational program to teach local officials about wastewater treatment. A five-session workshop covers wastewater treatment, alternatives, needs assessment, system management, and resource gathering.

Title: Household Septic System
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Contact: Kitt Farrell-Poe or the following County Extension Offices: Cochise, Graham, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo Nation, Yavapai
Phone #: 520-621-7221
Cost: free for loan
Audience: general public
Abstract: 3-panel tabletop booth display concerning the operation and maintenance of household septic systems. Approximate size: each panel = 22" wide x 32" tall - three panels require a minimum of a 6' table.
Click on image (or here) to enlarge!

Title: Conventional System: Septic Tank with Soil Absorption Field
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Contact: Kitt Farrell-Poe or the following County Extension Offices: La Paz, Mohave, Yavapai
Phone #: 520-621-7221
Cost: free for loan
Audience: general public
Abstract: Plexiglas working model with two trenches that can demonstrate the infiltration and percolation abilities of two different soil types.

Title: Septic Tank Model
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Contact: Kitt Farrell-Poe
Phone #: 520-621-7221
Cost: free for loan (may need to pay for shipping)
Audience: general public
Abstract: The model displays a three dimensional view of the functions of septic tanks. Made of durable, clear acrylic, it features scale construction and realistic details of the three layers within a septic tank (scum, sludge, and effluent). Size: 20" wide, 10" deep, and 10" high.

Title: Soil Treatment System Model
Source: Goldleaf Plastics, Inc.
Contact: Goldleaf Plastics, Inc. PO Box 426, 6646 County Rd. 137, Waite Park, MN 56387
Phone #: 320-252-8810
Cost: $295 (discounted price if ordering the Septic Tank Model)
Audience: general public
Abstract: The model displays a three dimensional view of the schematics of soil treatment systems. Made of durable acrylic, it features scale construction, realistic details including rock, sand, grass, water, etc. and three model pieces snap together for display. Assembled size: 47.5" wide, 27" tall.

Title: RV Park Septic System Operation & Maintenance (with script)
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Contact: Kitt Farrell-Poe
Phone #: 520-621-7221
Cost: free for loan
Audience: general public
Abstract: 60 color overheads; also available as PowerPoint presentation (2001).

Title: RV Holding-Tank Deodorizers (with notes pages)
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Contact: Kitt Farrell-Poe
Phone #: 520-621-7221
Cost: free
Audience: general public
Abstract: Overview of how RV deodorizers, treatments, and additives can affect onsite wastewater systems. 16 slides (2,858 KB), incomplete presentation, 2001.

Title: RV Park Septic System Operation & Maintenance (with notes pages)
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Contact: Kitt Farrell-Poe
Phone #: 520-621-7221
Cost: free
Audience: general public
Abstract: Presents overview of conventional septic systems, risks or stressors to those systems, and operation and maintenance of septic systems. 60 slides (7,839 KB), 2001.

Title: UA Onsite Wastewater Education (no notes pages)
Source: Arizona Cooperative Extension
Contact: Kitt Farrell-Poe
Phone #: 520-621-7221
Cost: free
Audience: general public
Abstract: Presents overview of the Arizona Cooperative Extension Onsite Wastewater Education program: past, current, and future activities. 28 slides (7,679 KB), 2001.

Title: Care & Feeding of Your Septic Tank
Source: National Small Flows Clearinghouse
Address: West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6064, Morgantown, WV 26506-6064
Phone #: 800-624-8301
Web Site: http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/nsfc/nsfc_index.htm
Cost: $10.00
Audience: septic system owners, adults
Abstract: Discusses history of onsite treatment, septic systems and reasons that they fail, and how to operate and maintain a septic tank. 16 minutes.

Title: Overview of Septic Systems

Source: Texas Cooperative Extension
Address: Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Distribution and Supply, P.O. Box 1209, Bryan, Texas 77806
Phone #: (888) 900-2577 toll free or e-mail us at Texaserc@tamu.edu
Fax #: (979) 862-1566
Web Site: http://texaserc.tamu.edu/catalog/topics/Waste_Management.html
Cost: $25.00
Audience: septic system owners, adults
Abstract: Reviews several onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal systems. Also available in DVD format. 22 minutes.

Title: Septic Systems Revealed: A Guide to Operation, Care, and Maintenance
Source: University of Minnesota Extension Service Distribution Center
Address:
Phone #: 800-876-8636
Web Site: http://www.bae.umn.edu/~septic/
Cost: $15.00
Audience: septic system owners
Abstract: A 23-minute video showing how an actual septic system works and demonstrates proper pumping methods. Includes tips on household water conservation and product use. (1996) 23 minutes.

Title: Your Septic System: A Guide for Homeowners
Source: National Small Flows Clearinghouse
Address: West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6064, Morgantown, WV 26506-6064
Phone #: 800-624-8301
Web Site: http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/nsfc/nsfc_index.htm
Cost: $10.00
Audience: septic system owners
Abstract: Uses husband-wife story as method of explaining how to operate and maintain a septic system; good do's and don't section. 11 minutes.