What You Need to Know
You probably know the saying, "an ounce of prevention..." It couldn't be truer when it comes to your septic tank system. Our company continually educates customers on basic septic system maintenance and how to avoid costly repairs and potentially unsafe septic failures.
Keep an eye on your system and surrounding area, take a few precautions, and call us immediately if you suspect any damage or possible disruption in the system. Early help and maintenance can save you time, money, and worry.
Signs of a Failing System
- Sewage backing up into house
- Water surfacing over the tank or drainfield area in yard
If you see either or these conditions, contact us immediately for an evaluation and protect yourself from costly repairs and cleanup.
SEPTIC SYSTEM TIPS & INFORMATION
Maintenance Information and Legal/Environmental Requirements
California Water Board
State Septic System Regulations.
Coastal Watershed Council
Preserving and protecting our watersheds.
During Heavy Rains -- What to Do
Many septic systems don’t function correctly when we are experiencing heavy rain in Santa Cruz County because the drainfield has become completely saturated. Your plumbing may back up into the lowest spot in the house, like a shower stall or a bath tub. If you think you are experiencing this problem, call us as immediately! Read the complete article for more information and what to do.
EPA's Guidlines And How They May Affect You
Will EPA's Guidlines for management of onsite/decentralized wastewater systems affect you.
There is a wealth of information on this site. It is worth reading if you are a property owner, developer, restaurant owner, or just want to stay up to date on EPA's Guidlines.
Federal Government Programs and Compliance
Once this page loads, scroll down to Clean Water Act. Then get your coffee for this one! It's Tons of information that will keep you busy for hours! Septic....Septic....Septic....Septic...till your eyes cross!
PLANNING ON EATING OUT TONIGHT? CHECK THIS OUT FIRST!
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY RESTAURANT INSPECTION REPORTS
This link to takes you to the Santa Cruz County Web Site where you can see Health Inspection Reports for Reastaurants in Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz County
Best Management Practices per Santa Cruz County for Restaurants and Food Service Establishments regarding Grease Traps.
Septic System Do's & Dont's
Quick tips to protect your system and prevent unnecessary maintenance. This one's a keeper.
State Water Resources Control Board
Proposed amendments to the California Code of Regulations, Title 27, Division 5. State Water Resources Control Board, Rules Governing Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems; Proposed Statewide Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements; and Draft of Environmental Impact Report.
Update April 2009
CALIFORNIA:Delayed Septic System Regulations Shelved Again
A long-delayed state law instituting more stringent onsite system requirements and mandating septic system inspections every five years hit another snag Jan. 30 when public comment hearings were postponed because of complaints from homeowners and businesses.
The State Water Resources Control Board Division of Water Quality suspended several months of planned workshops to explain Assembly Bill 885. Critics complained the new regulations, crafted first in 2000, could be costly to more than a million households that have septic systems.
As the review period began, members of the California Onsite Wastewater Association hosted community workshops to inform residents about the state’s new septic system code. If the rules pass as planned for 2010, septic tanks would need to be inspected for solids accumulation every five years. Qualified professionals would determine if onsite systems within 600 feet of the Pacific Ocean, Malibu Creek, or Malibu Lagoon were contributing to their impairment.
The proposed regulations would require site assessments for new systems including determination of seasonal high groundwater. They would need to be built by licensed contractors or property owners, and those within 600 feet of impaired water would need supplemental treatment.
Affordability and feasibility were COWA’s main concerns. Members said some regulations were too strict and the standards were difficult to obtain by any system. The association will continue working with regulators to revise the requirements.
Water Quality Reports for Surfers & Swimmers
See water quality reports for the Ocean, Creeks & Lagoons, and the San Lorenzo Valley
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"Save Your Septic" Bathroom Art
Download and print our poetic reminder to family and guests about what can and can't go into the toilet. (download .pdf)
NEW CONSTRUCTION TIPS
Practical Septic System Planning
Plan for Parking.
While planning septic tank location, make sure a pump truck which weighs 33,000 to 54,000 pounds can get within 70' of your septic tank while staying on a paved surface that can support the weight of the
truck.
Avoid Steep Slopes.
Make sure your tank is not down a steep slope which will make the pumping of the tank very difficult if not impossible.
Install Risers.
Installing our poly risers over tank lids that are more than 6" deep provide easy access for tank pumping and maintenance.
WHAT'S NEW
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