Septic Systems Outreach Toolkit
Across the country, local environmental groups, health departments, and governments face challenges posed by improperly maintained and failing septic systems. EPA assists these local agencies in promoting homeowner education and awareness.
The Outreach Toolkit contains materials targeted to homeowners that can be downloaded from this web site and printed. These materials show how many organizations have launched successful homeowner education programs.
SepticSmart Materials
Download the high-resolution PDF files for easy printing and distribution to homeowners living on properties serviced by septic systems in your area.
Customize the WORD files to meet your needs.
SepticSmart Week Quick Tip Videos
The SepticSmart Week Quick Tip videos are designed to educate the homeowner on the importance of properly using and maintaining their septic system, such as how a septic system works, what not to put down the drain, the importance of getting your well water tested, and more.
SepticSmart Week Proclamation
- SepticSmart Week Proclamation for Governors (WORD)(1 pg, 109 K)
- SepticSmart Week Proclamation for Mayors (WORD)(1 pg, 109 K)
- SepticSmart Week Proclamation for Leaders (WORD)(1 pg, 111 K)
- SepticSmart Week Proclamation for Decentralized Wastewater MOU Partners (WORD)(1 pg, 148 K)
"Protect Your Septic System!" Magnet
Provide your customers with an easy reminder on what not to flush down their toilet or drain if they have a septic system, and when they should schedule their next service.
Click the link below, select “Get This Item”, then select “Order a Hardcopy”. Fill out the requested information, and click “Submit Order” to order the magnet(s). You can request more than one copy by typing your request in the “Special Instructions” box of the order form. This item is free of charge to the public. Contact the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) for more information/ assistance. NSCEP is available at 1-800-490-9198 during the hours of 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday.
Owners of Rental Property
Do you own a vacation rental property with a septic system? Are you concerned about the well-being of your septic system while your home is being rented? Use these outreach materials to help educate your rental guests that your home is on a septic system, and tips on what to put (or not put) down the sink and/or drain:
SepticSmart Posters
Quick Tips to Keep Your Septic System Healthy
SepticSmart Week Quick Tips
These easy to remember phrases and quick tips make staying SepticSmart a breeze. Download these images and share them on social media, print them for home or business use, or use them as outreach materials. High resolution versions for larger sized printing (i.e., posters) are available upon request.
- Think at the Sink! English version │ Spanish version
- Don't Strain Your Drain! English version │ Spanish version
- Keep It Clean! English version │ Spanish version
- Shield Your Field! English version │ Spanish version
- Protect It and Inspect It! English version │ Spanish version
- Don't Overload the Commode! English version │ Spanish version
- Pump Your Tank! English version │ Spanish version
Use Directions: Click the link above for the image you wish to download. When the image appears in your web browser, right click the image and select "Save image as...". Under the "Save as type" selection bar, save the image as a .jpeg file. Post these graphics on your website and link to SepticSmart's homepage: www.epa.gov/septic
"Spring" Postcard
Using a Responsible Management Entity (RME) to Manage Tribal Onsite (Septic) Wastewater Treatment Systems
- Learn about using a responsible management entity to manage your onsite wastewater treatment system.
New Homebuyer's Brochure and Guide to Septic Systems 
Print directions: Provide these files to a local print shop or a professional printer near you. The long guide will print as single, double-sided sheets that can be stapled. The brochure will print as a single, double-sided sheet that can be folded in half.
Holiday SepticSmart Reminder Postcard
Learn and Teach SepticSmart Basics
- Do Your Part, Be SepticSmart! (PowerPoint) (13 pp, 2 MB)
Top 10 Ways to Be a Good Septic Owner
SepticSmart Web Graphics
Use Directions: Click the link above for the image you wish to download. When the image appears in your web browser, right click the image and select "Save image as...". Under the "Save as type" selection bar, save the image as a .jpeg file. Post these graphics on your website and link to SepticSmart's homepage: www.epa.gov/septic
SepticSmart Door Hanger
Print directions: Many cost-effective printing solutions are available online for printing these door hanger files. The above files have been designed to accommodate the unique die-cuts for the doorknob punch out offered by these online solutions.
“Did You Know? Leaks” Postcard
Print directions: Provide these files to a local print shop or a professional printer near you. Create mailing labels, add postage, and you are ready to mail to local homeowners.
“Summer Fun” Postcard
Print directions: Provide these files to a local print shop or a professional printer near you. Create mailing labels, add postage, and mail them to local homeowners.
Homeowner's Guide
Print directions: Provide these files to a local print shop or a professional printer near you. This will print as single, double-sided sheets that can be stapled.
Homeowner's Guide for Tribal Communities
Homeowner's Brochure
- English version, Spanish version, and recommended print spec (PDF)
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SepticSmart Homeowner's Brochure (Spanish) (WORD)(2 pp, 2 MB)
Print directions: Provide these files to a local print shop or a professional printer near you. This brochure is sized to roll-fold and fit easily into standard rack brochure holders. Note: the standard PDF versions can be printed on the 11" x 17" (tabloid) paper with the "Short Edge Binding" setting of all in-office printers.
Do's and Don'ts Homeowner's Brochure
Mail Inserts - Septic Tips
Flyers
- SepticSmart Do's And Don'ts For An Advanced Treatment Unit (English and Spanish versions)
- Proper Landscaping On And Around Your Septic System (English and Spanish versions)
Case Studies
Across the country, local health organizations, governments, environmental groups, and others are stressing the importance of properly maintaining septic systems to homeowners. Although the ecological and health impacts of failing septic systems are felt by everyone in the community, homeowners are ultimately responsible for their systems.
Get inspired by these case studies showcasing how organizations have successfully reached this audience.
SepticSmart Case Studies
- Funding Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems with the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
- King County Wastewater Education Program Case Study
- University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program Case Study
- Snohomish County Septic System Outreach Pilot Program Case Study
- Sewage and Wastewater Elimination Education Program (SWEEP) Case Study
- Washington State University Extension Small Acreage Program Case Study
Other Outreach Resources
EPA's Public Participation Guide: Introduction to Public Participation
Offers a full range of resources to help engage the public in decision-making and give consideration to public input in making that decision.
EPA's Nutrient Pollution Outreach and Education Page
Offers various tools and publications to develop effective communications materials related to nutrient pollution.
EPA's Nonpoint Source Program's Getting in Step Outreach Series
Intended for state and local agencies to learn how to develop effective outreach strategies. The series includes:
- Getting in Step: A Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns -- Presents the outreach development process as a logical, easy-to-apply sequence of steps. Information is also provided on related resources, including a free video companion guide and training workshop opportunities.
- Getting in Step: Engaging and Involving Stakeholders in Your Watershed -- A comprehensive guide for engaging stakeholders to restore and maintain healthy environmental conditions through community support.
Utility Bill Insert
A customizable, colorful 3" x 5" insert intended for use by wastewater and water supply utilities. One side has information for customers that discharge to sanitary sewer systems; the other side is for customers with septic systems.
Not in My Septic System! Magnet
A magnet that septic tank pumpers can distribute to customers. It lists items that homeowners should not dump down the drain and provides a reminder of the next service date.
- Order magnets from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications.