One of the major sources of pollution in our watershed is from septic systems that aren’t working right or are simply outdated. They have their greatest impact on tributaries and small feeder streams where children often play and animals go for water, not just the main part of the Olentangy River.

Did you know that as a homeowner you’re responsible for maintaining your septic system?  Did you know that maintaining your septic system protects your investment in your home?  And, did you know that you should periodically inspect your septic system and pump out your septic tank?  If properly designed, installed, and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater.  If your septic system isn’t maintained, you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars. 

A malfunctioning septic system can contaminate surface waters, such as the Olentangy, or groundwater that might be yours or your neighbor’s drinking water.  And if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good working condition at the time of sale.

Typical pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potentially disease-causing bacteria and viruses.  If a septic system is working properly, it will effectively remove most of these pollutants. Improperly treated sewage can contaminate nearby surface waters causing diseases and infections in animals such as cows and horses that rely on the Olentangy for drinking water.  

Sewage entering the Olentangy from failing septic systems increases the chance that children who play in the creek will contract a variety of infectious diseases ranging from eye and ear infections to acute gastrointestinal illness and disease like hepatitis.

Inadequately treated sewage from septic systems can be a cause of groundwater contamination.  It poses a significant threat to drinking water and human health because it can contaminate drinking water wells.  It is very expensive, and in some cases, nearly impossible to get pollutants out of groundwater once they get there.  Expensive treatment or having to drill a new well would be required to get safe drinking water again.  The best way to avoid these problems is by ensuring that your septic system is in good working condition and properly managing potential pollution sources.