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.
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)
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