Septic Pumping Directly Affected by Household Water Habits

The Otter Tail Water Management District in Minnesota provided a unique study opportunity for the analysis of household practices and maintenance needs of septic systems. The district is comprised of approximately 440 (26 percent) permanent residences and 1,260 (74 percent) seasonal residences. This study looked for correlations between household practices and the accumulation of sludge and scum. Homeowner surveys (response rate 27 percent) were coupled with septic tank inspection and monitoring records kept by the OTWMD since 1981. The 1,500-gallon two-compartment septic tanks were cleaned when more than 25 percent of the liquid capacity was storing sludge and scum. The