HOUSTON – A series of videos has been produced to encourage septic system owners to properly maintain their systems and provide them with the knowledge to do so, according to a Texas Coastal Watershed Program official.
“Homeowners with septic systems, especially in coastal areas and in the Dickinson Bayou watershed in Galveston and Brazoria counties, could benefit from watching the videos,” said Charriss York, stormwater projects coordinator for the Texas Coastal Watershed Program. The program is jointly administered by the Texas Sea Grant College Program and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
York said there are three videos in the series, which is viewable at http://dickinsonbayou.org/septic-systems/
“Two videos — one focused on aerobic systems and one on traditional systems — briefly explain how each type of septic system works,” she said. “The videos then show maintenance tasks and advises which ones a homeowner could perform and which should be handled by licensed maintenance providers.”
The videos also offer tips to keep a septic system in good working order, York said. “Maintenance is essential for all septic systems. A system that is properly designed, installed and maintained should function well for many years, but the responsibility rests with the owner to keep their septic system in good working order,” she said.
The third video is an overview of water quality issues facing Dickinson Bayou and how malfunctioning and illegally installed septic systems can pollute bayous and streams, she added.
The videos were funded by a grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. For more information, contact York at 281-218-6329 or cyork@tamu.edu.
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