Key points
Malfunctioning septic systems can contaminate groundwater and surface water, potentially affecting individuals as well as the environment. Explore these tools and resources on wastewater.
![Image of a septic system in front of a home.](/environmental-health-services/media/images/underground-septic-tank-and-house-16-9.jpg)
Tools and guidance
Papers by the Decentralized Wastewater Management MOU Partnership (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA) – Read about the economic, environmental, and public health aspects of decentralized wastewater treatment (produced in collaboration with CDC).
SepticSmart educational materials (EPA) – Find materials, case studies, and resources to help promote homeowner education on the importance of septic system maintenance.
Training
Environmental Public Health Online Courses (EPHOC) – Access comprehensive online courses for environmental public health practitioners, including a module on wastewater.
Reference manual
Healthy housing reference manual – Find information on the impact of housing on health and safety including a chapter on onsite wastewater treatment.
Publication citations
Curtiss E, Hils J, Rokisky J. Keep your water safe with CDC's resources. [commentary] J Environ Health. 2022;84(10):42-3.
Humphrey CP, O'Driscoll MA, Deal NE, Lindbo DL, Thieme SC, Zarate-Bermudez MA. Onsite wastewater system nitrogen contributions to groundwater in coastal North Carolina. J Environ Health. 2013;76(5):16-22.
Humphrey CP, O'Driscoll MA, Zarate MA. Evaluation of on-site wastewater system Escherichia coli contributions to shallow groundwater in coastal North Carolina. Water Sci Technol. 2011;63(4):789-95.
Humphrey CP, O'Driscoll MA, Zarate MA. Controls on groundwater nitrogen contributions from on-site wastewater systems in coastal North Carolina. Water Sci Technol. 2010;62(6):1448-55.
O'Driscoll MA, Humphrey CP, Deal NE, Lindbo DL, Zarate-Bermudez MA. Meteorological influences on nitrogen dynamics of a coastal onsite wastewater treatment system. J Environ Qual. 2014;43:1873-85.
Schneeberger CL, O'Driscoll MA, Humphrey CP Jr, Henry KA, Deal NE, Seiber KL, et al. Fate and transport of enteric microbes from septic systems in a coastal watershed. J Environ Health. 2015;77(9):22-30. (Zarate-Bermudez M)
More information
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Septic (onsite/decentralized) systems
- Technical information about septic systems
- Office of Wastewater Management (OWM)
Groundwater Protection Council
National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
Onsite Sewage Treatment Program (University of Minnesota)