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Wastewater management is essential for public health and environmental protection. It involves the collection, treatment, and safe disposal or reuse of water contaminated by human use, industrial processes, or stormwater runoff. Effective management prevents waterborne diseases, protects water resources, and maintains community and ecosystem health.

Wastewater systems fall into two main categories:

• Centralized (Municipal) Systems: Serve large populations, use extensive pipe networks, and treat water at large facilities.
• Decentralized (Onsite) Systems: Treat wastewater close to the source, crucial for areas where centralized systems are not feasible.

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

Onsite systems are a vital component of wastewater management, particularly in rural and suburban areas. They treat and dispose of/recycle wastewater from homes, businesses, industrial facilities, and sometimes entire communities.

• Septic systems usually serve up to 20 people, often individual households or small businesses, and include a septic tank and soil absorption field.
• The prevalence of septic systems varies by region, ranging from 10% to over 50% of homes in some states.
• Larger, more complex systems use advanced treatment units which treat and discharge to surface waters or the soil.
• When properly designed, installed, and maintained, onsite systems protect public health and the environment by reducing disease transmission and removing pollution from surface and groundwater.
• Environmental health professionals play a crucial role in onsite system management by evaluating potential sites, issuing permits or licenses for technicians, conducting inspections, and enforcing local regulations.

Environmental health professionals are essential in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all wastewater management systems, from assessing health risks to developing regulations and educating the public.

National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association Webinar Series

Hosted in partnership with the (NOWRA).

Part 1 | Onsite Wastewater Treatment: What is it and where can I go for information?

This webinar provides an overview of sewage disposal systems, also known as onsite wastewater treatment systems, and where they can go for additional information. The webinar discussed the basic types of onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal methods, showcased a new free homeowner鈥檚 education tool, and presented additional resources and training opportunities for environmental health professionals who need to learn more about onsite wastewater. A discussion of who NOWRA is, along with a preview of part two of the webinar series, what to look for as a food inspector, were also discussed.

Part 2 | Sewage Disposal: A priority item you may be overlooking

Sewage disposal is a Priority Item discussed in Chapter 5 of the Food Code and found under the Physical Facilities section of the Food Establishment Inspection Report. The code itself calls for an approved sewage disposal system in 5-403.11 but is very vague on what to look for to verify the system is approved. This webinar takes a closer look at individual sewage disposal systems that serve many rural retail food and food service facilities. Additional resources and training opportunities for environmental health professionals are also discussed.

Learn More

• CDC National Wastewater Surveillance System Wastewater Centers of Excellence |
• Interactive Diagrams on How Your Septic System Can Impact Nearby Water Sources, EPA |
• Septic Systems after a disaster | Webpage
• Flooding Preparedness and Response for Private Water Systems, NEHA | Webpage
• EPA Septic System Technical Resources, EPA |
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Onsite Wastewater Association (NOWRA), NEHA | PDF
• NOWRA Online Septic Learning Academy: Courses include the fundamentals of the decentralized wastewater profession, advanced training by topic, and national and state septic system courses |