Illustration: Septic Smart, Understanding Your Home’s Septic System bookletMost rural homes have a septic system (also called an onsite sewage system). A septic system typically consists of a tank and leaching or tile bed and does an excellent job of treating household wastewater in locations where there are no municipal sewer services. It is important to know how to care for septic systems to guard against costly system failure and to prevent contaminants from leaching into groundwater or rivers that are used as drinking water sources.

For tips and more details see Your Septic System: Protecting Your Investment and the Environment