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Page Shelton-Mason County Journal Thursday, April 14, 2022
Sources of Pollution
There are many different types of bacteria.
The bacteria of concern in water is that most
closely associated with human health risks,
fecal bacteria. These bacteria are commonly
found in the intestines of warm—blooded
animals like dogs, birds, horses, cats, cows
and people. Whenever an infected carrier
defecates, bacteria are introduced into the
' environment. If this bacteria gets into water
for drinking, swimming or cooking, there’s a
chance of getting sick. High bacteria counts
often originate from defective septic systems,
Septic systems are pretty amazing. They
process waste coming from a home’s toilets,
' showers, sinks, washing machines and
dishwashers. However, we may not know that
they need regular maintenance. If a system
fails, it can be unpleasant, expensive and
dangerous.
Maintenance: Have your septic system
checked every year. A septic professional will
perform an inspection to ensure efficient
operation, and will let you know if it needs to
be pumped.
Septic tanks are settling chambers that allow
time for solids and oils to separate out from
wastewater, so clear liquid can safely filter .
into the drainfield. It isimportant to keep the
solids, called sludge, from building up and '
coming near the outlet baffles of the system. If
this happens, solids could plug the pipe to the
drainfield, or even worse, clog the drainfield.
Pumping removes those solids and oils. A
typical household septic system will need to be
pumped every three to five years. '
Farms of all sizes can benefit from working
with one of Mason Conservation District’s
farm planners. Farm planning services are free
and confidential. A farm planner,also known
as an Agricultural Resource Technician, visits
the farm and discusses goals with the operator.
The planner can answer questions, test the
soil, advise on improvements, assist with
financial assistance, even help with a complete
conservation farm plan. The farmer gets
Septic
improperly managed livestock or unusually
high concentrations of wildlife or pet waste.
Clean Water
Partners
South Sound
.3393
Ch ringing,
Dminfleid
i Septic Tank
Use: .
If possible, waste should be'discarded or
recycled rather than washing it down the drain.
Processing this sort of waste‘ shortens the life of
a septic system. Also, reducing and balancing
water usage makes your septic system’s job
easier. One way to achieve this is to space out
loads of laundry.
Drainfield: The drainfield works like an
underground sprinkler, spreading Wastewater
into the soil for treatment and filtration. It
can be plugged or damaged by solids, grease
and household cleaning products coming in
from the house but it can also be damaged
outside by vehicles, livestock, tree roots, excess
am Iannig
information applicable to Mason County, and
can stay up to date on the latest technologies in
the industry.
Mud and manure are always an issue for
livestock owners. They also have the potential
to pollute our waterways. However, there are
many options for dealing with those issues,
like manure storage structures, gutters and
downspouts for barns and other livestock
shelters, or setting up heavy use areas with
Questions?
Meet the partners that
created this report.
Join our online Open House
on April 27, from 3 to pm.
For meeting link or phone number,
‘call 253-798-6156 or
email shellfish@piercecountywa.gov.
stems
irrigation or being covered with pavement
or plastic. A damaged drainfield can result in
some of the most costly repairs.
Failures: _A septic system failure causes
untreated sewage to be released and
transported to where it shouldn’t be. This may
cause sewage to come to the surface of the
ground around the tank or drainfield, or to
back up in pipes into the building. The sewage
could also find its way into groundwater,
surface water or marine water. Sewage carries
pathogens and other dangerous contaminants
that can cause illness in people and animals. It".
can also contaminate water sources'and make
them unsafe for drinking, swimming, shellfish
harvesting and agricultural uses. Fortunately,
'there are some excellent financial assistance
programs, like Craft3, to helpfinance'any
necessary repairs.
If you would like more information
about septic systems, please visit: www. .
masoncountywa.gov/health/environmental/
onsite for further tips and resources.
special footing and drainage. These projects
help protect our natural resources, can save
you money, benefit your livestock’s health and
generally make chores and farm life easier and
more efficient. A farm planner can help find a
system that works.
For more information about free and
confidential farm planning contact the Mason
Conservation District at 360—427-9436 or
www.masoncd.org