Friday, January 31, 2003

Septic system workshop for homeowners

Did you know that a poorly functioning septic system is a potentially serious cause of water pollution?

Water can carry harmful bacteria from failing septic systems into rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater.

Like an automobile, a septic system needs periodic maintenance to extend the life of the system and to avoid costly emergency repairs.

Dr. Larry West from the University of Georgia will lead a one-hour workshop for homeowners or prospective homeowners in South Fulton.

The program will cover how septic tanks function, common causes of failure and proper maintenance practices.

South Fulton - February 13 at 7 p.m. at the Rico Community Center 6505 Rico Road in Palmetto. Contact: Sharon Cowden (770) 698-5739 or (678) 410-1627.

A septic tank should be pumped at least every five years. The average cleaning cost is $350. Emergency repairs may run $3,500 or more depending on tank capacity. The estimated cost to replace a septic system begins at $5,000 and can run much higher under special conditions such as lake frontage, proximity to an aquifer, underlying rock or soil composition.

To register for the workshop, visit the Clean Water Campaign's Web site, www.cleanwatercampaign.org and click the Septic Tank Workshops button.

For more information, contact Kelley O'Brien, stormwater education coordinator, at the Atlanta Regional Commission, 404.463.3259 or kobrien@atlantaregional.com.

The Clean Water Campaign is a cooperative, multi-agency public education initiative spearheaded by 20 local governments in metro Atlanta and managed by the Atlanta Regional Commission. Its mission is to build awareness of water quality problems and solutions in the Atlanta region. For more information about the Clean Water Campaign, contact Kelley O'Brien at 404-463-3259.