Public Education Critical to Septic Management
Athough this paper was first published in 1989 by the then director of the National Small Flows Clearinghouse, it's wisdom still rings true. And many of the examples of management programs it describes are often still referenced as model programs. The analogy of septic maintenance to car maintenance is one that will drive home with any septic owner. Public Education Critical To Management (pdf)
Septic System Education Made Simple!
One of the most innovative septic education programs in the country to date, the Septic Education Kit, is available through the US Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service. The Kit functions as a toolbox that contains everything you need to set up and publicize a septic education program.
In the Kit, you’ll find user-friendly fact sheets that can be fine-tuned for your area, an entertaining slide show starring Henry Homeowner, comprehensive workshop outlines, two attention-grabbing publicity photos, clever marketing ideas, and tips on how to partner with other agencies. There are also article templates for quick submissions to local newspapers, a humorous color poster reminding homeowners to pump their tanks, compelling radio announcement scripts, creative newspaper ad and flyer samples, and more!
The Septic Education Kit was originally developed at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Washington State. In 1999, the Kit received The National Watershed Awareness Campaign and Community Outreach Award from the Center for Watershed Protection in Maryland. It was described as the "best we’ve seen" in curricula designed to change everyday behaviors for protection of water quality.
The kit cost $99 plus a $5 handling fee. To order call 1-800-553-6847 and ask for item AVA20666KK00. Or you can use the NTIS link: NTIS - Septic Education Kit
Note: DHEC-OCRM incorporated components of this kit into a tailored workshop for Folly Beach residents and it was well received.