KING COUNTY, WA - As of today, Seattle and King County residents who own on-site sewage systems can visit Public Health - Seattle & King County's website to access video clips on the operation and maintenance of their systems.
"A well-maintained on-site sewage system prevents sewage from contaminating surface and ground water," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Furthermore, homeowners can save both time and money by knowing how their on-site sewage systems work and how to enhance their system's longevity."
The video clips are available at: www.kingcounty.gov/health/wastewater. Text versions of the clips are also available at the same site.
Topics covered in the video clips include:
- What are the components of on-site sewage systems and what do they do?
- How does a septic tank work?
- How does a drainfield work?
- What happens during the rainy season -- is a drainfield compromised?
- What kind of laundry soap should be used -- powder or liquid?
The video clips feature Dick Burleigh, an on-site sewage system expert from Washington State University's Cooperative Extension, and Morgan Barry, Education Consultant with Public Health's Environmental Health Division.
Changes in the code
As part of King County's On-Site Sewage Code (Title 13), Public Health will begin the Monitoring and Maintenance Program in October, 2001. Homeowners will be required to monitor and maintain their systems with a certified On-Site System Maintainer either quarterly, annually or every three years, depending on the kind of system they have.
Homeowners with specific questions about their on-site sewage systems can call the Eastgate Environmental Health office at 206-296-4932.
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health - Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day. |
