We know that streams polluted with raw sewage are not safe for water recreation, like swimming and fishing—for us, or for our children. Right? So, if we want our children to be safe while swimming and fishing, there are some things we need to understand.

Read all about it!
 
 
Raw sewage from homes contains tiny organisms, bacteria and viruses, that we can't see. Disease-causing organisms are called "pathogens." Pathogens can cause human illnesses, like diseases of the digestive system, as well as ear, eye, and skin infections.

If our children swim or fish in that water, they can become ill. These pathogens travel from leaking septic systems and through any pipes that carry sewage straight from our homes to our streams.
 
Did you realize that this kind of stream pollution is a major problem in some regions of Kentucky? And as these streams flow toward larger rivers, they directly affect the health of other water—downstream—where someone else is going to use it. And guess what? We all live downstream!

But, we can make a difference!

For septic systems, maintenance is the key:

•	Have the system inspected every year. Your local health department can refer you to a licensed inspector.
•	Have the septic tank pumped out every few years, depending on the size. Again, your local or state health departments can help you figure out the best schedule for your system.
•	Install filters as advised by your service provider.
•	Don't feed your garbage disposal. If you don't, your septic system will have less work to do and your system will not need to be pumped out so frequently.
•	Don't use toilets as trash cans! If you do, you'll have to pump out your septic system more frequently.

For straight pipe sewage disposal, check with state or local health departments or environmental agencies about the best options for treating your wastewater before it goes back into the streams.
For our children's sake!

Want some help?
 
 
 
 

•	Find out about the required groundwater protection plan for a septic system.
•	Get additional information about the care and feeding of onsite septic systems.
•	USDA Rural Development offers low-interest loans to homeowners with low incomes for repair or replacement of septic systems.
•	Folks living in one of the 38 counties in the East Kentucky PRIDE region can learn about help for very low income homeowners for repairing or replacing septic systems.
•	Find your watershed by clicking on the place in Kentucky where you live. Find the people who can help you be a part of the sewage solution!

Remember: If you have a septic system or a straight sewage pipe, get to the bottom of it!