C O U N T R Y

L I V I N G :

A Homeowners Guide

College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension

With peace and quiet comes responsibility

C hances are that you have chosen to live in the country because you cherish the peace and quiet, the wide open spaces, and the beauty of nature. However, with this enjoyment and independence often comes responsibility. Most drinking water supply and sewage disposal in rural areas of Pennsylvania is done on-lot. As the property owner, you are responsible for maintaining your drinking water and septic systems. Understanding how they work and how to keep them operating efficiently is good for your familys health and for your household budget; replacing these systems can be expensive.

This publication covers the basics of private drinking water supply, on-lot wastewater disposal, and the authorities and workings of township government. It was written with the assumption that your house already has a working drinking water supply system and a septic system, or that you will soon purchase a house with these systems already in place.* The publication also discusses the changing face of Pennsylvanias countryside and farmer-nonfarmer relations, and provides further sources of information for each of these topics. Being informed and having realistic expectations about country living will increase the chances that your life in the country will be pleasant.

*If you need a new water or septic system, either because you are building a new house or your old system needs replacement, you should contact Pennsylvanias Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county for information on the various systems and which are best suited to your area or plot of land.

Drinking Water Systems

One of the most important responsibilities rural residents face is ensuring that they and their families have safe water to drink. Groundwater from private individual wells is the chief source of drinking water for most rural Pennsylvania residents. Groundwater is contained in pore spaces between rock and soil particles below ground.
Well Water

To safeguard the quality of your well water, there are a number of precautions that should have been taken during construction. If you find that your well does not have the safety features described below, you should talk to a professional about revamping the well, especially if you have had quantity or quality problems.

Protecting Well Water Quality through Proper Construction A well should be lined with a steel or plastic casing all the way down to the water intake screen (Figure 1). The casing should extend at least 8 inches above the ground, higher if your land is prone to flooding, so that surface water can never contaminate your well through the top hole. To avoid contamination of the water as it passes from the well into the house, a pitless adapter or above-ground discharge adapter should be used to connect the water service line from the home to the well casing below the frost line in the soil. Cement grouting should be pored around the outside of the well, usually for the entire length of the casing. Grouting and casing techniques differ for wells drilled in consolidated and unconsolidated rock. In the final stages of construction, your well should have been shock chlorinated with the appropriate amount of household bleach as determined by the depth of water in the well and the well diameter (Table 1). In order to sterilize the equipment in the well there must be a concentration of at least 100 parts per million of chlorine in the water in the well. For further information on any of the above topics, obtain Penn State Cooperative Extension Circular 345: Safeguarding Wells and Springs from Bacterial Contamination. Ordering information appears at the end of this publication.

Most groundwater delivery systems are composed of a well, a submersible pump, a pressure tank, and plumbing. The pump is most often located near the bottom of the well. Most pumps and pressure tanks can be expected to last about 10 years. Wells drilled in unconsolidated bedrock, such as sand and gravel, often produce large quantities of high quality water. In consolidated bedrock a well drilled at the intersection of two fractures in the rock will produce the largest amount of potable water. If water quantity is a severe problem for you, you might consult a well driller experienced in your area or a qualified hydrogeologist. In Pennsylvania it is not usually necessary to drill deeper than 200 feet to tap a supply of safe groundwater. Soils have varying abilities to filter out contaminants as surface water flows down to the water table. Clays and fine sands have better filtration capabilities than coarse materials such as sands and gravels. Normally, the more soil water passes through, the cleaner it becomes. Bacterial contamination is one of the most common problems with well water and is most often due to poor location of the well or inadequate construction. Wells should be located up slope from potential sources of contamination. DEP recommends that wells be at least 50 feet from a septic tank and at least 100 feet from an underground wastewater seepage field.

You should have records of the yield of the well, ideally from tests done in wet and dry seasons. You should also have information about the well specifications: its diameter, depth, length of grouting, etc., as shown in Figure 2. Careful records of quantity and quality measures provide a baseline against which to compare future changes. Note any unusual noise or vibration while the pump or motor is running or upon starting or stopping. This could indicate that well maintenance is required, as could a sudden decrease in water pressure. Routine maintenance is necessary on any piece of equipment. Performing this maintenance will help protect your investment by prolonging the life of your well. Having records of well maintenance will help allay concerns about the water system should you decide to sell your home.
Spring Water

A similar set of potential contamination and maintenance issues accompanies water obtained from a spring, a place where groundwater discharges to the land surface. Be sure that the spring to be used for drinking water is present all year long, not just in the wettest seasons. If the stream is intermittent, it may be possible to store water in a holding tank during periods of high flow for use in drier months. It is common to need disinfection equipment for spring water because it is often subject to surface contamination. Make certain there are no contamination sources uphill of your spring. You should landscape the area so that all surface water is diverted from the spring. If you notice that your spring water becomes muddy after a rain storm, this is a sign that surface water is supplying a substantial part of the flow; it is probably best not to drink this water. Such a spring is also quite likely to dry up in the summer months. The place where the spring emerges from the ground should be covered with a concrete spring box, an overflow pipe, and a method of accessing, emptying, and cleaning out the spring box (Figure 3). Springs should also be shock chlorinated upon completion of construction.

Figure 1. Pitless adapter with submersible pump installation for basement storage.
Plug Sanitary well cover (vented)

Table 1. Amount of bleach required to disinfect well water. Water depth (feet) 10 Well diameter (inches) 6 1c 1c 2c 8 1c 2c 4c 10 2c 4c 3 pt 24 32 36 6 qt

3 qt 4 qt

Lift-out device Submersible power cable

20 30 40

5 qt 8 qt 10 qt

1 pt 2 pt 4 pt 2 pt 3 pt 6 pt 2 pt 4 pt 7 pt 3 pt 5 pt 4 qt 5 pt 4 qt 6 qt

Conduit Casing Locking device Frost line Discharge fitting Flexible connection Discharge line to basement Pitless adapter Check valve Snifter valve or air charger

60 80 100 50

Note: The table shows the quantity of household laundry bleach (5.25 percent chlorine, approved for water disinfection) required to develop a concentration of 100 ppm of chlorine in clear water standing in the well. If you cannot determine the depth of the water in your well, use the following guidelines: For wells up to 8 inches in diameter holding less than 80 feet of water, mix a minimum of 1/2 gallon of chlorine bleach with about 10 gallons of water. For wells with more than 80 feet of water, use 1 gallon of bleach. In any case, it is better to use too much chlorine than too little. Source: Adapted from How to Disinfect a Water System, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW4.

Cement grout formation seal

Submersible pump

Packer

Screen

Source: Adapted from Manual of Individual Water Supply Systems, EPA-430/9-74-007, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Water Quality: Testing for Bacterial Contamination

As a private drinking water system operator, your health and that of your family could depend on the initiative you take to get the water analyzed. An annual test for total coliform bacteria is the absolute minimum recommended testing; a test every six months is preferred. Water-borne bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illnesses such as giardiasis. While most coliform bacteria will not cause illness, they suggest the

presence of other potentially pathogenic organisms such as fecal coliform and Giardia because these may all be present in human or animal waste. Saturated soil with large pore spaces, such as coarse sand, may not adequately filter pathogens out of surface water. The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1972 and subsequent amendments established a process for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop water quality standards

for public water supply facilities. The primary standards are set for health reasons and the secondary standards pertain to aesthetic issues. Although water quality of private systems is not regulated, these standards can serve as a reference to check the relative quality of your water. Check the yellow pages for certified water quality testing laboratories; more than 100 laboratories in Pennsylvania perform bacteria testing for about $15. DEP will also test your water for bacteria for about $10. You can get

Figure 2. Well completion report.

WELL OWNER (REQUIRED)

information about laboratories and interpreting your water quality analysis report from several Penn State Cooperative Extension fact sheets listed at the end of this publication. If you notice sudden changes in the color, taste, or smell of your water, contact the cooperative extension office in your county or DEP to discuss the possible causes and to develop a plan for water testing. This consultation can save you money by helping you identify the tests that will provide the most information for the least cost. Accurate records of system specifications, maintenance, testing, and repair can also help pinpoint problems.

If you suspect that land use changes around your house have affected the quality of water from your well, you should consult DEP or the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county to determine the appropriate water tests that may be necessary. For example, if pesticides are used or stored in your neighborhood, it is a good idea to conduct periodic screenings for these pollutants. If pollutants are found, your local cooperative extension agent can help you decide how to correct the problem and develop a schedule for more frequent testing until the problem is solved.

Check the water supply location, construction, and patterns of surface water flow if a water sample comes back positive for bacterial contamination. Correct any obvious problems, divert all surface water from the area around the water outlet, shock chlorinate the system, and retest the water after two weeks. If the problem has not been solved, you should set up a continuous disinfection system. Extensive water quality testing can be expensive. Tests for specific organic chemicals and/or pesticides, for example, are not standard and thus are more costly. A scan that detects the presence of any pesticide but does not specify which one is significantly less expensive than a test to determine the exact pesticide in the water. Any pesticide in your water is a problem requiring attention.

Figure 3. Spring development in creviced rock.

10' minimum Diversion ditch Creviced rock Gravel Collecting wall Lead-in pipe Spring box Overflow

To storage Sand Drain Gravel Stone Collecting wall Lead-in pipe Fence Gravel covered with plastic sheet and 1-2' of soil Collecting wall 4-6" concrete 4" Lead-in pipe

Overflow

To storage Drain Spring box

Alternate collecting system

Cross-section

Source: Adapted from Spring Development, Plan 800-166, Department of Agricultural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University.

Disinfection

If bacterial contamination is the only problem with the water supply, it probably makes sense to disinfect the present system using chlorination, iodination, or ultraviolet light. If your water test shows high suspended solids concentrations or if the water is occasionally muddy, it should be filtered before disinfection. Many water treatment companies sell disinfection equipment that will adequately treat bacterial contamination. This equipment may not, however, kill some viruses and Giardia cyststhese pathogens may require additional specialized disinfection treatment. For more information on disinfection of these pathogens, contact a water equipment dealer or DEP or obtain a copy of Penn State Cooperative Extension fact sheet F-134, Removing Giardia Cysts from Drinking Water. See the end of this publication for ordering information. As with any major purchase, you should do some investigating and be sure to have a basic understanding of the potential solutions to your water quality problem before you call a water treatment vendor so that you can tell if a salesperson is trying to sell you more equipment than you need. Having an understanding of the system will also help you maintain the equipment and get the most value for your money. Chlorination. The injection of chlorine into water in the form of sodium hypochlorite (5-15% available chlorine) or calcium hypochlorite (about 70% available chlorine) is a common method of disinfection. Any product you use should state on the label that it is safe for drinking water disinfection. To ensure disinfection, you must provide ample contact time for the chlorine to interact with the water. Often a pipe coil or holding tank is installed for this purpose. Normally, at least 0.4 mg/l of free residual chlorine should be in contact with the water for at least 30 minutes. Chlorination leaves a small residual concentration of chlorine in the water so recontamination will not occur after disinfection.

Iodination. Another substance used for disinfection is iodine, although its use is not recommended for long periods because iodine can influence the workings of the thyroid gland. Iodination with a contact time of 30 minutes is suitable for places where no one will drink the water for extended periods of time, such as a vacation home or hunting camp. However, it can be difficult to achieve disinfection while not giving the water an adverse taste. Like chlorine, iodine disinfection provides continual protection of the water. Ultraviolet light. Disinfection can also be accomplished with an ultraviolet light sealed in a quartz sleeve inside a stainless steel cylinder. Since this method of disinfection does not leave a residual disinfectant in the water, it is possible for recontamination to occur after initial disinfection and before consumption. Therefore, the light should be installed at the end of all underground pipes. Bulbs must be replaced about once a year.
More About Water Quality Testing

Pollution Prevention

As the guardian of your drinking water, you should do your part in protecting the quality of your well water and the water from wells around you by performing routine maintenance on your well; by using pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides sparingly; and by safely and responsibly disposing of hazardous and toxic wastes. Never dump used motor oil on the ground or in a stream. Bring it to an authorized collection or recycling site. Avoid dumping extra paint or household chemicals down the toilet or disposing of them with your regular household waste. Some communities have an annual household hazardous waste day when residents can bring these items to a centralized location and a local government agency or other organization takes care of disposing of them safely. Find out if your community holds one. If not, you might offer to help organize the first annual collection. If this is not possible, call DEP, your county extension agent, or a solid waste disposal company to find out how you can safely dispose of the waste.
An Alternative Drinking Water Supply System

At least every three years, you should have your water supply tested for pH, nitrate, total dissolved solids, and turbidity. Water with a pH less than 7.0 or with total dissolved solids exceeding 500 mg/l may be corrosive to metallic pipes. If analysis of your water reveals these characteristics and your pipes are copper, you should collect a sample after allowing water to sit in the pipes overnight and have it tested for lead and copper. If your pipes are made of galvanized iron, test for zinc and cadmium. Call your regional DEP office or the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county if you need help interpreting your water analysis report.

If potable water cannot be obtained from a well or spring on your property, there is another optionthe rainwater cistern. Roof-catchment cisterns collect rainwater falling on the roof of your house and/or barn. The water is then stored in a holding tank for use as needed. The system includes a mechanism by which rain falling in the first few minutes of a storm is not collected, allowing the roof to be cleansed of particulate matter before collection begins. Water collected in a rainwater cistern usually requires treatment before it is suitable for use. For more information on this type of drinking water system, obtain Special Circular 277, Rainwater Cisterns: Design, Construction, and Water Treatment. See the end of this publication for ordering information.

Septic Systems

Figure 4. Cross section of septic tank.

Inspection ports Manhole Inspection ports Influent from residence Effluent to drainage field

Perhaps where you lived in the past, your house was connected to a sewer and you didnt have to worry where the water went after you flushed your toilet. In the country your responsibility may not end with the flush. If your house is one of many not hooked to a sewer, the water your family uses flows literally into your own backyard. Septic system problems can cause sewage to seep up to the ground surface in your yard or produce sewage odors in your house. A poorly maintained system could contaminate a neighbors drinking water supply or your own. On-lot wastewater treatment regulations for the state are set forth in the Sewage Facilities Act (#537) and its 1994 amendment, Act 149. Four basic on-lot systems are permitted for residential use: in-ground trench, in-ground seepage bed, subsurface sand filter, and elevated sand mound. Your local sewage enforcement officer (SEO), a certified official who is responsible for permitting the installation of on-lot sewage disposal systems in one or several townships, can be a valuable source of information about system designs. Wastewater treatment systems generally have three components: a septic tank, a distribution system, and a seepage bed. The septic tank is the initial repository of wastewater from the house. It is a watertight chamber made of concrete, fiberglass, or other approved material that is resistant to decay. Its function is to keep solids from entering and clogging the seepage bed (Figure 4). For adequate settling of solids to occur, liquid must remain in the tank for at least 24 hours. Bacteria slowly break down the solids to about 50 percent of original volume. Clarified liquid is discharged to the distribution box, and then to the seepage bed, a system of piping through which clarified sewage is absorbed into the surrounding soil for further purification.

Scum Baffle Wastewater level

Solids (sludge)

Source: Agricultural and Biological Engineering Fact Sheet F-161, Septic Tank Pumping by Paul Robillard and Kelli Martin.

Septic Tank Pumping

Because solids accumulate in the tank, it must be pumped by a licensed operator every two to five years at a cost of $75 to $100. The distribution box should be checked and cleaned at the same time. The condition of the tank and the baffles that keep solids and scum from entering the distribution lines should also be checked at each pumping and replaced if worn. If solids are allowed to build up for too long, they may eventually overflow into the seepage bed and clog the system. The frequency of pumping depends on the size of the tank, the volume of wastewater produced, and the amount of solids in the water. Use of a garbage disposal will decrease the amount of time that can lapse between pumpings. The use of additives that claim to eliminate the need for tank pumping is not recommended.

Wastewater disposal systems are sized based on the number of bedrooms in a house. Pennsylvanias Sewage Facilities Act requires at least a 900-gallon tank for a house with three or fewer bedrooms (Table 2). The capacity of the tank should be increased by 100 gallons for each additional bedroom. If you have recently moved into a new house and do not know the size of your tank, arrange to have the tank pumped and inspected and ask the technician to assess its size, age, and condition.
Effluent Distribution and Absorption

The seepage bed accomplishes the actual cleansing of the effluent, or clarified water, discharged from the septic tank. State regulations require that at least four feet of soil lie below the distribution pipes and above the water table or confining bedrock layer. State law also requires that the percolation rate, a measure of soil drainage capacity, be between six and ninety minutes per inch to allow the installation of a conventional system. A properly maintained and operating seepage bed will not produce any soggy ground areas.

Table 2. Estimated septic tank pumping frequencies in years (for year-round residences). Household size (number of people) 1 Tank size (gal) 500* 750* 900 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Years between pumping 5.8 9.1 11.0 12.4 15.6 18.9 22.1 25.4 28.6 31.9 2.6 4.2 5.2 5.9 7.5 9.1 10.7 12.4 14.0 15.6 1.5 2.6 3.3 3.7 4.8 5.9 6.9 8.0 9.1 10.2 1.0 1.8 2.3 2.6 3.4 4.2 5.0 5.9 6.7 7.5 0.7 1.3 1.7 2.0 2.6 3.3 3.9 4.5 5.2 5.9 0.4 1.0 1.3 1.5 2.0 2.6 3.1 3.7 4.2 4.8 0.3 0.7 1.0 1.2 1.7 2.1 2.6 3.1 3.5 4.0 0.2 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.4 1.8 2.2 2.6 3.0 3.5 0.1 0.4 0.7 0.8 1.2 1.5 1.9 2.2 2.6 3.0 0.3 0.5 0.7 1.0 1.3 1.6 2.0 2.3 2.6

land with a slope less than 8 percent, while mound trenches can be used on slopes up to 12 percent. A limiting layer must lie 20 to 60 inches from the surface and the percolation rate must be between 3 and 120 minutes per inch for these systems to be feasible. They are not permitted on flood plains and must be at least 100 feet downhill of a well or spring, at least 50 feet from streams, and at least 5 feet from property lines. Use of elevated sand mounds on slopes of 8 to 12 percent is increasingly common, and DEP has made moves to list this technology as another type of conventional system, rather than as an alternate system requiring more permits and paperwork. Recent changes in Pennsylvania septic system regulations have made the use of elevated sand mounds on slopes of 12 to 15 percent a viable alternative; these systems were previously only experimental. Contact DEP for a copy of Guidelines for Experimental Elevated Sand Mound Bed Systems on Slopes Between 12 and 15 Percent or get more information from your SEO. Mound systems all require pressure dosingthey use a pump to deliver wastewater to the absorption field at intervals. The pump lies between the tank and the distribution line and usually discharges water once per day, allowing the mound to dry between applications and prevent clogging. The pump tank should be large enough to hold at least one days sewage flow from the house in case of system failure. The tank must be pumped every three to five years. For more information on mound systems, see the list of fact sheets at the end of this publication.
Spray Irrigation

*Below the minimum size allowed in Pennsylvania. Note: More frequent pumping needed if a garbage disposal is used. Generally, the indicated frequency will vary with the volume of solids (+20% for high volume, -20% for low volume). Source: Agricultural and Biological Engineering Fact Sheet F-161, Septic Tank Pumping, by Paul Robillard and Kelli Martin.

When the seepage bed lies down slope from the septic tank and the soils percolation rate is between six and sixty minutes per inch, the distribution system generally works by gravity. An unperforated pipe carries effluent from the tank to the distribution box, from which effluent is spread evenly around the absorption field through perforated pipes. Distribution is usually accomplished by a pump tank when the seepage bed is uphill from the septic tank or in soils with percolation rates greater than sixty minutes per inch. A pressure distribution or dosing pump located between the septic tank and the distribution line delivers the wastewater evenly at set intervals to the seepage bed. Intermittent delivery allows the absorption field to drain between doses.

Effluent also can be spread through the seepage bed by a trench systema network of perforated pipes placed in trenches that follow the contours of the lot. Another option is a bed system in which distribution lines lie in a single excavation hole at least 10 feet wide. The trench system is more often used in areas with steep slopes. The bed system is suitable for flatter, more compact areas and is usually less expensive to install.
Sand Mound Systems

Because of the soil drainage capacity, the elevation and slope of the land, and the depth to bedrock or the water table, certain areas of Pennsylvania are not suited for conventional wastewater treatment systems. If the capacity of your land to support a septic system was previously evaluated and it was deemed less than ideal, a sand mound system may have been installed. The elevated sand mound is a constructed embankment of sandy fill material placed on the natural soil surface. Mound beds are usable on

A recent development at DEP is the permitting by local sewage enforcement officers of individual residential spray irrigation systems (IRSIS) as alternate year-round wastewater disposal systems. This technology enables a homeowner to spray pretreated household effluent on forest land, grass, or agricultural land. Each IRSIS must include an initial

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treatment unit, an intermittent sand filter, a chlorine disinfection unit, and a spray field. The initial treatment unit may consist of (1) a conventional septic tank that allows anaerobic degradation and settling of solids before discharging the effluent to the sand filter, or (2) an aerobic treatment tank in which air is introduced to facilitate the bacterial degradation of solids. The intermittent sand filter uses filtration and biochemical treatment to send a high quality effluent to the disinfection unit, which kills harmful bacteria. At this point the system should also contain an effluentholding tank for use when the ground is very wet or frozen. IRSIS can be used on slopes of less than 25 percent in woodlands, less than 12 percent on grass, and less than 4 percent on agricultural land. Lot size must be at least two acres. At least the top 10 inches of soil must be free of water and mottling, a sign of continual moisture in the soil, and at least 16 inches of soil must lie above bedrock. Designs should be based on a flow of 400 gallons per day for a three-bedroom house. IRSIS is expected to cost about 20 percent more than an elevated sand mound system. This system should provide a usable alternative for wastewater disposal in about 32 percent of the area in Pennsylvania that is not suitable for conventional systems including sand mounds. For more information contact your sewage enforcement officer or obtain DEPs Manual for Individual Residential Spray Irrigation Systems.
System Failure

allowed to occur over the seepage area, or if the seasonal high groundwater table was not accurately located. Failure can also be caused by an undersized septic tank or a tank that is past due for pumping. In the latter case solids are allowed to pass into the seepage bed and clog the soil pores. Additional people living in the house and new water-using appliances can also stress a septic system beyond its limits. Specially designed dyes or chemical tracers can be used to confirm a suspected system failure. The dye is added to the system and the place where it reappears is noted. This test should be done only by a qualified technician check the yellow pages for a wastewater disposal company or an environmental consulting firm.

Funding Program, a loan program for homeowners needing money to rehabilitate, improve, repair, or replace existing septic systems. The loans carry a yearly interest rate of only one percent and are available to homeowners in areas where a sewer system is not available and will not be constructed in the next five years. There is an upper income and loan limit and borrowers must have demonstrated ability to repay the loan. For more information, contact PENNVEST at (717) 787-8137 or PHFA at (800) 8221174.
Avoiding System Failure

Routine maintenance on your septic system will pay off in the long run. As with your car, it is much less expensive to maintain a system in working order than to install a new system or perform major renovations on an inadequate system. You can prolong the life of your septic system by using water conservatively and by installing water conservation devices on your faucets, toilets, and showers before problems with the system arise. Your septic tank should be inspected and pumped every two to five years. Avoid using chemicals to clean your tank because of the potential for groundwater contamination. Harsh chemicals can also kill the essential bacteria working in the tank to decompose solid material. Without these bacteria, your tank will need to be pumped twice as often. Substances such as bleach, pesticides, heavily sudsing laundry detergent, oil, grease, antifreeze, and paints should not be poured down the drain or into the toilet for the same reason. Avoid disposal of bulky solids in the drain or toilet. Even using a garbage disposal can shorten the lapse between pumpings of the system because of the increased load of solids to be broken down in the tank. Landscaping your yard to divert water from the area above the seepage bed will cut down on the amount of water that must be filtered through this soil. The ability of water to flow through the soil in the seepage bed will be reduced by heavy equipment use and livestock

Free Counseling from DEP DEP contracts with an environmental consulting firm to provide free advice to homeowners with septic system problems. The toll free numbers are (800) 282-9254 and (800) 291-2659.

Solutions for System Failure

Your on-lot wastewater disposal system is inadequate or failing if sewage backs up into the household plumbing or if untreated sewage emerges at the land surface or leaches into groundwater. Hydraulic overload is the most common cause of system failure and occurs when more wastewater is delivered to the soil absorption system than can be adequately disposed of in a given time. This can result, for example, if the seepage bed was designed too small, if overland flow is

Two possible solutions exist for system failure: the use of water conservation devices on all fixtures and absorption area resting. Water conservation devices reduce the amount of water pouring into the system, allowing the seepage bed to adequately cleanse the remaining water. Absorption area resting involves constructing an alternate trench system for distribution of wastewater (Figure 5). The two seepage beds are used in alternate periods to allow the resting bed time to dry out and thoroughly drain of wastewater. For more information, refer to the list of cooperative extension materials at the end of this publication. The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), and DEP sponsor the On-Lot

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Figure 5. The alternate trench system.

Building sewer Existing septic tank Manhole (clean-out) Pumping support Dose pump Union Manhole extension Dose tank High water level Low water level Gate valves Cap

Exist

ing s

ystem

5'

2'

80'

Backfill Sand 4" Stone 6" Building paper Backfill

Source: Restoration of Failing On-Lot Sewage Disposal Areas, Environmental Resources Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.

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grazing on the area. Trees and shrubs should not be planted over or near the distribution system because roots can grow into pipes and clog the system. Keeping your wastewater disposal system in good working order will help ensure high quality drinking water because of reduced chances of inadequately treated wastewater mixing with groundwater. As with your well, you should keep accurate records of your systems location, construction, specifications, maintenance, repairs, and pumping. How will you know when your septic tank is full or when the system needs repairs? Some things to watch for are sewage odors in the house and/or drinking water, sponginess of the ground above any part of the system, raw sewage at the land surface, a constantly running dosing pump, failure of the dosing pump to run at all, and backup of wastewater into washing machines and plumbing. It is obviously cheapest, simplest, and safest to keep track of tank pumping and maintenance and to call the pumper before these problems arise.

On-Lot Wastewater Disposal Regulations The Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (#537) requires local governments to administer a permitting system for the installation of on-lot sewage disposal systems. A certified sewage enforcement officer (SEO) is responsible for evaluating permits in one or several townships on the basis of lot slope and soil characteristics. The SEO may offer advice on which type of system would work best based on a sites conditions. This person must inspect the completed system before it is covered with soil. Repairing or replacing a septic system requires a permit from the local SEO. Routine maintenance such as tank pumping and distribution pipe flushing can be done without a permit. Many municipalities have recently joined with their neighbors to form multimunicipal local agencies, making the enforcement of Act 537 more cost effective. Each agency employs one or more SEOs to evaluate, permit, and inspect on-lot wastewater disposal systems within their borders. The creation of multi-municipal local agencies allows other municipal staff more time to tend to other duties and enables the wastewater treatment specialists to concentrate on their area of expertise. Some townships have created septic system maintenance regulations that require all residents to have their septic tanks pumped every three years, for example. These regulations are designed to protect local groundwater from being contaminated by a poorly maintained septic system. Remember that your poorly maintained system may not just affect your well, but your neighbors wells too. DEP is a good place to get more information on all aspects of septic systems. Your local sewage enforcement officer or the Penn State Cooperative Extension agents in your county will also be able to give you valuable advice.

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Township Government

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a decentralized system of government involving townships, boroughs, cities, and counties. Most rural areas of Pennsylvania are located in townships of the second class. The township is governed by a board of supervisors, usually three elected officials. Other officials are elected or appointed by the board of supervisors. Some townships have one or more authorities. An authority can buy, build, improve, maintain, and operate facilities that provide a specific service, such as sewage treatment plants, waterworks, highways, and airports. An authority is also authorized to borrow money and issue bonds to finance the special project. At the local level, public schools are run by elected members of the school board who are authorized to hire personnel, operate school buildings, buy supplies, and levy taxes and issue bonds for schoolrelated expenses.
Land Use

tions. Some townships have only a planning commission, which is responsible for each of the above activities.
Local Ordinances

Emergency Services

Local ordinances may exist to regulate the following issues. Check with your township office on local regulations governing these issues. Road maintenance. Your township government is responsible for maintaining and plowing township roads. Burning garbage and other waste. Some townships allow burning of household refuse and/or yard waste any time, while others permit it on specific days and still others may not allow it at all. Lawn maintenance. Some local governments have policies concerning lawn maintenance. These regulations may require you to cut your grass if it exceeds a predetermined height or if it looks unkempt. Animal control. The township may have regulations requiring that dogs be leashed at all times or other related rules. Nuisances. Township governments have the authority to prohibit nuisances including dumping, storage of abandoned automobiles, and offensive manufacturing or business. Under the nuisance power, the board of supervisors may remove any structure considered dangerous, whether on public or private land. In addition to the previously mentioned powers, the supervisors are authorized to control fireworks, parks, parking, septic systems and sewers, fire prevention, street names, sanitation, public safety, and junkyards.
Garbage Collection

Police services in rural Pennsylvania are provided by municipal departments in more populated areas and by state police in areas where the population is so dispersed and small that a township force is not feasible. Some rural areas are not yet equipped with 911 emergency service notification. As soon as you move in, call your local government office to find out how to reach emergency personnel. Dont wait until you need the services to realize that you dont know the correct number. Fire protection is provided in most rural areas by volunteer fire companies. You can expect to receive periodic solicitations from these groups. Remember that they will be there when you need them only if you help to support their activities, and that voluntary contributions of time and/or money play a vital role in their operation.
Manure Disposal

Townships govern land use through a system of permits, zoning laws, subdivision regulations, and other local ordinances. Most townships require building permits for new homes and structures. Township supervisors are aided in land use decisions by an appointed planning commission and/or zoning board. The planning commission develops recommendations for the arrangement of certain land uses within the township that allow for the maximum health and safety of residents while still achieving the objectives of the community. Planning helps to ensure orderly development of facilities and safe traffic patterns. The zoning board establishes building requirements for present and future land use in the township. The members may set such requirements as minimum lot size, maximum building height, and use of certain districts for residences, industry, or commercial purposes. Different requirements may exist for different districts. The zoning board hears appeals of the prescribed regula-

In most rural areas of the state, there is no garbage pickup by the township. Each household is responsible for contracting with a private trash hauler. You should expect to spend about $150-$200 per year on these services. Contact your township office for names of reputable, licensed haulers in your area or look in the yellow pages under rubbish.

Pennsylvanias Nutrient Management Act of 1993 was passed to protect the quality of the states surface- and groundwaters and the Chesapeake Bay. Excess nutrients in manure washing off farm fields into streams and rivers can deplete the water of oxygen, cause excessive algae growth, and ruin valuable fish habitats. The legislation was designed to ensure that large loads of manure are safely disposed of. The act states that if the animal density exceeds a certain number of pounds per acre on an annual basis, the landowner is required to file with the local conservation district and implement an approved nutrient management plan for the disposal of manure. This legislation supersedes any previously established local regulation of nutrient management. Contact your local conservation district office or the State Conservation Commission for more information on the implementation of this act. See also Penn State Cooperative Extension fact sheet 40, Nutrient Management Legislation in Pennsylvania, listed at the end of this publication.

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Your Farming Neighbors

Farms account for almost 20 percent of Pennsylvanias land use. Much of this agricultural land is located where housing development pressure from urban areas is strong. Farming regions are attractive for development because of the scenic beauty of open fields and grazing animals. Farms are businesses, however, and they sometimes do not live up to the images many people have of agriculture. Those picturesque fields are open because the farmer plants or mows them every year as part of the production cycle. Those grazing animals sometimes get out of fences, and they all produce manure that has odors or can degrade water supplies. The best way to live peacefully with your farming neighbors is to make friends with them. Get to know the workings of their farm and why they do what they do. Some activities, such as plowing, can be noisy, but can only be done within a limited time frame or the entire years crop may suffer. Remember that the farmer is not there to annoy you everything done on the farm has a specific purpose. You can also help maintain neighborly relations with the farmers around you by respecting their land and teaching your children and animals to do the same. Respect no trespassing signs. Although farmland may look like a park, it is private property and you should not be on it unless specifically given the right to use the land by the owner. Respect farmers property rights as much as you expect them to respect your rights.

Be aware that septage, the liquid and solid material pumped from individual homes septic tanks, is sometimes disposed of by surface application or subsurface injection on agricultural fields. The septage is often treated before application to reduce odors and the number of disease-causing organisms. DEP requires haulers and landowners to have permits for in-land application of septage. This practice produces minimal threat to human health when done on a suitable site with carefully analyzed septage and incorporation of the application into the farming operation. There are strict regulations excluding some crops from septage application. You should also keep in mind that the country landscape is constantly changing. Agriculture has become more industrialized, and methods of operation have changed. Market pressures have caused farms to specialize in production of one or two products. Many farms have become larger in order to remain economically viable. Be prepared for change and attempt to understand it. Not only may new houses go up around you, new manufacturing or a new farm could locate near your house. Try to become familiar with trends in your community. Respect the new occupants rights just as you expect your rights to be respected.

Safety

You may be thinking of buying a tractor to take care of your large yard, or you may already own such equipment. Be sure to obtain and follow operating and safety instructions when using this equipment because it can be dangerous. Children are especially at risk around tractors. Never allow a child to ride with you on a lawn mower or tractor while it is in use. Always wear safety belts and be sure to purchase a model with roll bars, especially if your land is on a hill where tractors can more easily tip over. When operating these machines give the task at hand your full attention. Remember that the nearest hospital or emergency services provider may be quite far away. Even if your county has 911 emergency service, emergency personnel may have a difficult time finding your house if you live in an especially remote area. It is a good idea to tape directions to your house next to the phonethat way, in an emergency even someone such as a visiting relative can give accurate directions to emergency personnel.

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For More Information

Single copies of the publications below can be obtained for free by contacting: Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department 246 Agricultural Engineering Building University Park, PA 16802 Telephone: (814) 865-7685 Fax: (814) 863-1031
Drinking Water

Material printed in this publication was drawn from the following: Extension Circular 345, Safeguarding Wells and Springs from Bacterial Contamination, by Joe Makuch and William E. Sharpe. Extension Circular 302, Two Remedies for Failing Septic Systems, by Joe Makuch and William E. Sharpe. Agricultural and Biological Engineering Fact Sheet F-164, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment, by Paul D. Robillard and Kelli S. Martin. Agricultural and Biological Engineering Fact Sheet F-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems, by Paul D. Robillard and Kelli S. Martin.

Your county cooperative extension office is an excellent place to go for more information on the topics covered in this publication. County extension offices have a large collection of literature dealing with almost any problem residents may have, and the staff can steer you in the right direction to get more information. Other agencies that may provide helpful information include: your local soil conservation district, the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or your county planning commission. Below is a list of publications available through Penn States College of Agricultural Sciences. These will give you more details about many of the topics discussed here. Single copies are available for free unless otherwise noted. These publications can be obtained by contacting: Publications Distribution Center 112 Agricultural Administration Building University Park, PA 16802 Telephone: (814) 865-6713 Fax: (814) 863-5560 Extension Circular 345, Safeguarding Wells and Springs from Bacterial Contamination NRAES-48, Home Water Treatment ($15.00) Special Circular 277, Rainwater Cisterns: Design, Construction, and Water Treatment Extension Circular 302, Two Remedies for Failing Septic Systems Agronomy Fact Sheet 40, Nutrient Management Legislation in Pennsylvania

F-103, How to Interpret a Water Analysis Report F-104, Water Testing F-105, Where to Have Your Water Tested F-134, Removing Giardia Cysts from Drinking Water F-141, Water Softening
Septic Systems

F-161, Septic Tank Pumping F-162, Preventing Septic System Failures F-163, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test F-164, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment F-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems F-167, Use of Dyes and Tracers to Confirm Septic System Failure

Prepared by Joy R. Drohan, project assistant/writer, Charles W. Abdalla, associate professor of agricultural economics, and Timothy W. Kelsey, associate professor of agricultural economics
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research, extension, and resident education programs are funded in part by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This publication is available from the Publications Distribution Center, The Pennsylvania State University, 112 Agricultural Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802. For information telephone (814) 865-6713. Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences is implied. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of Congress May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Legislature. T. R. Alter, Interim Director of Cooperative Extension, The Pennsylvania State University.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801; Tel. (814) 865-4700/ V; (814) 863-1150/TTY. The Pennsylvania State University 1998
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