DecentralizedWastewater.org Newsletter for September 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
Happy SepticSmart Week!
|
 |
|
The big week is here! By now, you probably already have a plan in place for celebrating this week and communicating the ideals of the SepticSmart program, but it's certainly not too late to whip something together if you still need to. And of course, even when it's not SepticSmart Week, it's never a bad time to tell people about how to be SepticSmart anyway.
Find some of the best resources from the US EPA to share with homeowners at these links:
You can also check out some of the recent resources on septic systems created by our program, as well as our sister program PrivateWellClass.org, for ideas on participating in SepticSmart Week, septic owner outreach and education, and the services we provide to both well and septic owners.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Are you attending this year’s WEFTEC in New Orleans beginning on September 26? While the Water Environment Federation (WEF) has long been an organization primarily focused on municipal wastewater treatment and water quality, they are gradually branching out into covering more topics concerning decentralized wastewater in their WEFTEC programming.
If you're still on the fence about deciding to go, it's not too late to register, and make sure to check out their technical sessions in the decentralized realm in the 2026 conference agenda. And if you are there, stop by the WaterOperator.org booth in the exhibition hall to talk to our programs' teams and check out our displays on the Illinois State Water Survey's historical wastewater treatment research!
Our team will be in the exhibition hall all three days of the exhibition (September 28-30), at Booth #8551 on the eastern end of the Morial Convention Center building. We’ll be right in between the Workforce Hub and the Operations Challenge competition area — We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!
|
|
|
| More info » |
|
|
|
|
TT085 – The Industry Needs You:
The Water Tower’s Workforce Vision
|
|
|
 |
|
Season 8 of Tap Talk: The Drinking Water in Rural America Podcast debuted last week! To kick off this new season, we welcomed Courtney Lee to the show, who is the Director of Workforce Development at The Water Tower. The Water Tower is a nonprofit innovation hub based in Gwinnett County, Georgia, striving to transform the future of water with research, workforce development, and industry collaboration programs. Courtney talks with Steve and Jennifer the unique approaches the organization is using to cultivate the next generation of water professionals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Register for the 2026 Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference
|
|
|
 |
|
Don't forget that registration for this October’s Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference is now open — for both attendees and exhibitors! Early bird rates will remain available through September 20.
This year, the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA), National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT), and the State Onsite Regulators Association (SORA ) are putting the event on in Westminster, Colorado, with the help of the Colorado Professionals in Onsite Wastewater (CPOW). The conference, scheduled for October 25-28, is a great chance to get high quality education and training, network with peers across the country, and stay up-to-date on developments in the onsite/decentralized industry.
|
| Register for the Mega-Conference with NOWRA » |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Featured Webinars & Training |
|
|
|
Being Septic Smart
September 15 | 6:30 pm CT | Online
Hosted by Minnesota Water Resources Center
This webinar will teach property owners the basics of how their septic systems work, including how to care for and maintain a septic system so it can function during or beyond its lifetime.
Register here.
|
|
|
|
Septic-Smart for Homeowners
September 16 | 6:00 pm ET | Online
Hosted by RCAP Solutions
This webinar will cover basics of wastewater biology, soils, components of a conventional system, operation & maintenance, and innovative/alternative systems.
Register here »
|
|
|
|
Matching the Solution to the Site
September 16 | 1:00 pm ET | Online
Hosted by Infiltrator Water Technologies
This presentation challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to septic design by emphasizing that every site has unique characteristics that must drive system selection. It highlights the importance of aligning system components with site conditions, regulations, and available technologies. Attendees will explore a range of solutions, from conventional systems to advanced treatment units and combined treatment and dispersal systems. This webinar provides practical insights to help designers and installers select effective, site-appropriate systems.
Register here » |
|
|
|
Septic System Basics for Homeowners
September 22 | 12:00 pm CT | Online
Hosted by RCAP
This presentation provides homeowners with a practical introduction to decentralized wastewater systems, and the important role septic systems play in protecting public health and the environment. Participants will learn how septic systems function, the regulations governing onsite wastewater systems, proper maintenance practices, common causes of system failure, warning signs to watch for, and best practices for extending the life of their system. The session also includes information on permitting, homeowner responsibilities, and available technical assistance resources.
Register here »
|
|
|
|
Onsite Wastewater System Management, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting Overview
September 24 | 12:00 pm CT | Online
Hosted by Midwest Assistance Program
This webinar will provide an overview of the management, maintenance, and troubleshooting of small community onsite wastewater systems. The session will focus on recognizing and resolving common problems such as system overuse, improper design, poor installation, and routine maintenance challenges.
Register here.
|
|
|
|
Inspection of Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
September 29 | 8:00 am ET | Penn Yan, NY
Hosted by RCAP Solutions
This is a one-day, in-person training designed for onsite wastewater system inspectors and other professionals seeking to improve their understanding of residential septic systems and inspection practices. Participants will learn a step-by-step approach to conducting septic system inspections through both classroom and field instruction, helping them build the knowledge and confidence needed to perform thorough evaluations and become trusted resources in their communities.
Register here.
|
|
|
|
|
Highlights from Onsite Installer Magazine
|
|
|
|
Your Guide to a Successful SepticSmart Week 2026
This article is Onsite Installer's yearly guide to SepticSmart Week. It covers how septic professionals can use US Environmental Protection Agency materials to promote their companies and educate homeowners during SepticSmart Week and beyond.
|
| Read at Onsite Installer Magazine » |
|
|
|
|
|
Septic System Basics
Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Podcast
In anticipation of SepticSmart Week 2026, the Department of Permitting Services for Montgomery County, Maryland, released a podcast episode that explains how proper septic system maintenance can help homeowners avoid costly repairs and protect both the environment and public health.
Also of note in Montgomery County — This week, the Department of Environmental Protection will offer a $100 rebate program to help homeowners cover the cost of pumping their septic tanks.
|
| Listen here » |
|
|
|
|
|
SepticSmart Week Activity Book
US Environmental Protection Agency
New for SepticSmart Week 2026, the US EPA has released a SepticSmart Week activity book for children. The goal of the activity book is to get kids interested in and educated on taking care of septic systems. The activity book features coloring pages, puzzles, a word search, and the SepticSmart Quick Tips.
The activity book is hosted on our sister website, PrivateWellClass.org, through our partnership with the US EPA and RCAP.
|
| See the activity book » |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visit our other websites: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to unsubscribe | Sent to: _t.e.s.t_@example.com
Illinois State Water Survey, 2204 Griffith Drive, Champaign, IL 61820, United States |
|
|
