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.

Holiday SepticSmart Reminder Postcard

• View and download the postcard

SepticSmart Week Proclamation

• SepticSmart Week Proclamation for Governors (WORD)(1 pg, 303 K)
• SepticSmart Week Proclamation for Mayors (WORD)(1 pg, 302 K)
• SepticSmart Week Proclamation for Leaders (WORD)(1 pg, 304 K)

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.

• Think at the sink!
• Don't strain your drain!
• Keep it clean!
• Shield your field!
• Protect it and inspect it!
• Don't overload the commode!
• SepticSmart Week Announcement

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

• Do Your Part, Be SepticSmart! (PowerPoint) (13 pp, 2 MB)

Quick Steps to Keep Your SepticSmart

• Do Your Part Get SepticSmart
  
  
   

Top 10 Ways to Be a Good Septic Owner

• "Keep Your SepticSmart!"
  
  
  
  
   

SepticSmart Web Graphics

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 Week Seal
• SepticSmart Web Graphic
• SepticSam Pop-Up Banner

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

• English version, Spanish version, and recommended print specs

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

• English version, Spanish version, and recommended print specs

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

• English version, Spanish version, and recommended print specs

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

• English version, Spanish version, and recommended print specs.

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

• Guide

Homeowner's Brochure

• English version, Spanish version, and recommended print spec (PDF)
• SepticSmart Homeowner's Brochure (English) (WORD)(2 pp, 2 MB)

• 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

• English version and Spanish version

Mail Inserts - Septic Tips

• English version, Spanish version, and recommended print specs

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 
  • King County Wastewater Program Web Site Exit
• 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.