The University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program (OSTP) will offer a free training opportunity on ‘Being Septic Smart’ in September to celebrate SepticSmart Week (September 15-19, 2025).
An online webinar will be held on Tuesday, September 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The ‘Being Septic Smart’ webinar teaches property owners the basics about how their septic systems work, including how to care for and maintain a septic system so it can function during or beyond its design lifetime.
Sara Heger, researcher and instructor in OSTP for the Water Resources Center, said, "attendees will walk away from this class with new knowledge about how their septic system functions and how to use and maintain it correctly."
Septic systems are designed to last 20-30 years but can last longer depending on use, care, and maintenance. Being Septic Smart provides information that enables property owners to maximize their septic investment so their system can function during and beyond its design lifetime, with information that includes:
- How a septic system works
- The purpose of the septic tank and drain field or mound
- How a properly operating septic system protects ground and surface water
- How often the septic tank should be pumped
- Whether additives are a good idea
- How to prevent winter freeze-ups, and much more
While the webinar is free, participants must register to obtain the webinar link for the event.
The Onsite Sewage Treatment Program provides education and technical assistance to homeowners, small communities, onsite professionals, and local units of government regarding onsite wastewater treatment. The Water Resources Center is a unit of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences and the University of Minnesota Extension.
SepticSmart Week is an annual event that occurs the third week of September. Communities, local groups, and state governments can bring attention to the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems by organizing homeowner education events, sponsoring workshops, or sharing social media from the SepticSmart program.