Be Septic Safe: A User’s Guide To Taking Care Of Business
Bound Book/eBook
Susan Lunt
Water Resources Extension Associate
United States
Pendleton
Team Members:
Lunt, S*1, Greenthaler, C*2, Comeau, E*3, Calhoun, B4
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Water Resources Extension Associate, , Pendleton, South Carolina, 29670
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Area Water Resources Agent, Clemson Cooperative Extension, Lexington, South Carolina, 29672
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Water Resources Agent, Clemson Cooperative Extension, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29906
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Water Resources Agent, Clemson Cooperative Extension, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401
Abstract
The Be Septic Safe: A User’s Guide To Taking Care Of Business, developed by a team of Clemson Cooperative Extension (CCE) agents during 2023-2024 and printed in the first quarter of 2024, provides South Carolina (SC) septic system owners with a quick reference resource on how a septic system works and ways to care for systems, to answer questions when issues arise, and to document location of tank, drainfield, connections, and maintenance. In addition, the guide provides QR codes linking users to the CCE Be Septic Safe website where expanded information and videos on all things septic-related can be found. The Be Septic Safe: A User’s Guide To Taking Care Of Business was created to encourage individuals to properly operate and maintain their septic system keeping you, your family, our community, and our environment healthy.Bacteria is the top pollutant for SC waterways, with over 350 impaired waterbodies found through the state. Septic Systems that are not operating as designed and/or improperly maintained may fail and leak which can contribute to harmful bacteria entering our watershed, making septic systems an essential target for water quality education. Waterbodies affected by bacteria pollution may be unsafe for swimming, fishing, harvesting shellfish, or supplying drinking water. By properly operating and maintaining septic systems, individuals are saving money, protecting property values, keeping family and neighbors safe, and protecting the environment.Due to demand, a second printing of 1000 was needed to the initial 2000, and all 3000 have been or will be distributed through site visits, tabling and community events including fairs/festivals, invited presentations and educational outreach programs, conservation groups, municipalities, and utility companies. The guide is included in the SC State Documents Depository. The guide was created as a collaborative team effort by agents for content and layout, and peer reviewed by CCE Specialists; in addition, I coordinated logistics and deadlines, and facilitated the completion, printing, and distribution of the guide. Clemson Extension’s Communications and Marketing team aided with final layout and branding, and a professional printing company was employed for the final deliverable.
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