Septic Systems

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

SepticSmart Graphic

 
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.


Holiday SepticSmart Reminder Postcard

Remind your cuustomers, homeowners or community to properly manage their septic systems during the holidays! Here is a postcard to customize and use as a mailer.

SepticSmart Week Proclamation

Want to develop a SepticSmart Week Proclamation in your area? Use the editable proclamation template to get started:

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.

""

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/septicsmart


Learn and Teach SepticSmart Basics""

Want to learn or teach others what SepticSmart week is all about? Download the presentation to learn how a septic system works, proper care and maintenance tips, and other helpful resources on how you can participate in SepticSmart Week.

Quick Steps to Keep Your SepticSmart""

Looking for a quick and easy guide on how to care for your septic system? Check out this diagram and learn how to do your part:

Top 10 Ways to Be a Good Septic Owner""

Here is a list for homeowners on how to keep your septic system maintained and in working condition. Learn the top 10 ways to:

SepticSmart Web Graphics

SepticSmart Sam Web Graphic
Spread the word and make your website "septic smart"! Help educate homeowners
""
on the ins and outs of their septic systems and increase awareness of EPA's SepticSmart initiative.
SepticSmart Web Graphic

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/septicsmart


SepticSmart Door Hanger

SepticSmart Door Hanger Graphic

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

SepticSmart Postcard Graphic

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

SepticSmart Postcard Graphic

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

SepticSmart Long Homeowner's Guide Graphic

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.


SepticSmart Homeowner's Guide for Tribal Communities

SepticSmart Homeowner's Guide for Tribal Communities Graphic
In cooperation with the Indian Health Service (IHS), EPA has developed a tailored version of the original SepticSmart Homeowner's Guide to reflect the unique factors of Tribal communities and homeowners on Tribal lands regarding the proper care of their systems.

Homeowner's Brochure

SepticSmart Homeowner's Rack Brochure Graphic

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

Dos and Don'ts Homeowner's Brochure Graphic

Mail Inserts - Septic Tips

SepticSmart Mail Inserts Graphic

Flyers

SepticSmart Flyer GraphicSepticSmart Flyer Graphic

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

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.