2026MI – 011: Educating the Property Owner on Best Management and Operation Practices

Description

2 CSEs

Building a relationship of trust with the property owner is more than just a ‘pump and go’ event. Educating the public about their responsibility as an onsite system owner is compatible with your role as an environmental and public health professional. A recent study made the claim that the average adult has a 5-8th Grade understanding of science but a basic understanding of how a septic system works is essential to their performance and your ability to properly service them.
This class will cover resources available for you to develop communication skills and customize education services and messaging for the property owner to promote the reason we are all in this business – to protect public and environmental health:

• An appreciation, and understanding, of how their specific system works – using EPA Septic Smart Tools and Resources.
• Helpful tips on how to cut down on both service and electricity costs by practicing water conservation – using EPA WaterSense™.
• Drain field and system protection best practices – and understanding of basic soil biology and structures and how this affects good treatment – using resources available from NRCS.
• Seasonal issues – protecting the system and reserve treatment area in both freezing and drought conditions.
• Why there IS a reserve treatment area – explanation of Groundwater Awareness Week.
• Property use issues – i.e. home-based businesses.
• Local/state regulations for the property owner to be aware of.
• A better appreciation of what you do as a service provider.