DecentralizedWastewater.org Newsletter for October 2025
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EPA's Updated "A Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems for Tribal Communities" Document Is Now Available
Last week, the US EPA released a new and updated version of their "Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems for Tribal Communities" handbook, a freely available resource for all to download. Per the EPA announcement:
"The original guide, published in 2013, has been widely used by IHS Area Offices and Tribal environmental and health departments to help Tribal homeowners and communities understand, operate, and maintain their onsite wastewater systems.
After more than a decade of use, EPA and IHS gathered insights on how the guide has served communities and where improvements could be made. In 2024, EPA began revising the guide with input from IHS Area offices and EPA Tribal Coordinators. The updated version streamlines the original content, includes maintenance trips tailored to Tribal audiences, and features new graphics highlighting the diverse regions where Tribal communities are located. We are very grateful to IHS for their support in making this a valuable resource for Tribes."
Be sure to download the document at the link below and share it widely in your networks!
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| Download the Guide »
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The Latest Wastewater Conferences: A Review |
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As always, our team had a wonderful time at WEFTEC in Chicago at the end of September! We appreciate everyone who stopped by our booth to chat about the WaterOperator.org program and to learn about the historical wastewater research that was done at the Illinois State Water Survey (which included septic systems!) We were also able to tell some of the new connections we made about DecentralizedWastewater.org too — Welcome to this newsletter, for those in that group!
For those that missed WEFTEC, you can see the highlights of the conference and exhibition from WEF at this page.
In other conference news, while this year we will not be attending next week's Onsite Wastewater Megaconference in Sandusky, Ohio, we wish safe travels and the best of times at the conference to all attendees. We're looking forward to seeing pictures, reading about the highlights, and checking out the conference presentations when they become available! Remember, if you have not registered, online registration is now closed — but limited on-location registration at a higher rate will be available. Contact NOWRA for more information.
Finally, it's not too soon to start thinking about attending next year's WWETT Show! As usual, the 2026 WWETT Show will be held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, and it will run from February 16-19. While attendee registration is not yet open, the conference hotels are now available to book. The organizers are also now accepting nominations for the show's Young Professionals Awards.
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NEIWPCC Supports Massachusetts’s Efforts to Limit Pollution From Septic Systems |
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The New England Interstate Water
Pollution Control Commission, or NEIWPCC, is dedicated to advancing water quality in the northeastern United States, where the average use of septic systems in considerably higher than the rest of the country. NEIWPCC's septic system initiatives aim to support Title 5, the Massachusetts regulations that legislate how to install, use, and maintain septic systems. Last month, NEIWPCC published an article that provides an in-depth explanation of their Title 5 programs, which include soil evaluator training, system inspector certification, and public dialogues about septic systems.
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TT063 – Empowering Well Owners at the
Private Well Class Help Center
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Last month on Tap Talk, we were pleased to welcome two of our Private Well Class colleagues to the show: Sallie Dolan and Erin Huggett, who are the main forces behind running our Private Well Class Help Center and phone hotline. Launched in the spring of 2024, these services have assisted over 65,000 well owners in finding answers to their well questions or solutions for well problems. Our teams are looking forward to helping many more as the program continues to grow and develop!
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| 🎧 Listen Here »
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Featured Webinars & Training |
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New to a Septic System –
What You Should Know to Protect Your System
October 15 | 12:00 pm ET | University of Maryland Extension
If you have just bought or moved into a home that has a septic system, there are important things you need to know to help keep the system functioning properly and as long as possible. This webinar will discuss the basic system types and the recommended maintenance practices to follow.
Register here »
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Site Characterization:
The Importance of Site Data Prior to System Design
October 15 | 1:00 pm ET | Infiltrator Water Technologies
Each project site is unique — and with that comes unique challenges to consider when designing an onsite wastewater treatment system. Taking the time up front to understand the challenges of a site, the expected use, as well as local and state regulatory requirements will prevent avoidable design changes or system upgrades. Specific case studies will be discussed to identify helpful approaches for site characterization for several onsite wastewater treatment systems.
Register here »
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Wells And Septic Systems Info Session
October 16 | 12:00 pm CT | Sturgeon Bay, WI |
Door County Board of Realtors
Though clean drinking water and safe wastewater systems are vital for homeowners, many residents are unsure how wells and septic systems actually work or how to properly maintain them. This program will feature presentations from local septic installers, maintenance providers, well drillers and other industry professionals. Speakers will share practical information on installation, upkeep, regulations and the role these systems play in protecting human health and the environment.
More info here »
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Real Estate and Septic Systems
October 28 | 12:00 pm ET | Penn State Extension
In this webinar, participants will explore what buyers and sellers need to know about septic systems during property transfers. The session will cover key considerations such as inspection requirements, system disclosures, and what to expect during real estate septic inspections. Whether preparing to sell, looking to buy, or supporting clients through the process, this session offers essential guidance to navigate septic-related aspects of real estate transactions.
Register here »
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Septic-Water Connections
November 11 | 12:00 pm ET | Penn State Extension
Join this session for an in-depth discussion on what every buyer and seller should know about septic systems during property transfers. This session will cover the essential role septic systems play in real estate transactions, including what to expect from septic inspections, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to ensure compliance with local regulations. Whether you’re preparing to list a property or considering a purchase, this session will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate septic-related issues confidently and avoid costly surprises.
Register here »
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Highlights from Onsite Installer
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It’s Time to Start Thinking WWETT
Show
Onsite Installer makes the case for attending the 2026 WWETT Show to septic professionals who are serious about advancing their careers. The main advantages of attending, per the article, are the innovative technology on display, educational programming, and networking opportunities!
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| Read Here »
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Great Lakes Microplastics Summit: October 22, 2025 |
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We are coming to a greater understanding that microplastics are everywhere, and septic systems are no exception. While research on microplastics in septics is still in its infancy, microplastics research at large is not. If you are interested in learning more about the microplastics issue in general, including their effect on human/environmental health and the full impact of their widespread pollution, consider attending the 2025 Great Lakes Microplastics Summit.
This free virtual event, hosted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), will unite scientists, professionals, policymakers, and community members to explore the effect of microplastics on freshwater systems.
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| More Info Here »
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Prepping Your Septic System for the
Future
In the latest Environmental Finance Center Network podcast episode, explore how changing weather patterns and climate are putting new pressure on septic systems. Drs. Andrew Lazur and Allison Reilly of the University of Maryland discuss how climate change is affecting septic system performance, the public health risks that come with system failures, and practical steps homeowners and local leaders can take to prepare for the future. They also touch on upgrading systems, connecting to sewers, and building long-term community preparedness.
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| Listen Here »
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The Onsite Journal:
2025 Conference Preview Edition
National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
NOWRA's 2025 Conference Preview Edition of the quarterly Onsite Journal covers everything the impending Onsite Wastewater Megaconference has to offer! It also takes an in-depth look at phosphorus in onsite wastewater systems, reviews SepticSmart week, and shares various updates from NOWRA state affiliates on their most recent activities.
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| Read It Here »
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Visit our other websites:
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Illinois State Water Survey, 2204 Griffith Drive, Champaign, IL 61820, United States
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