Heather N. Kolich, ANR Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County
Many Forsyth County homes manage wastewater through an on-site septic system. While these systems usually work very well, they do require periodic maintenance. Having the septic tank pumped out every few years is one management task that is necessary to prevent septic leakage or backup into the home.
To help protect the quality of our community water source, Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department, in a coordinated effort with the Environmental Health Department, launched a rebate program last year to help people in critical areas around the Pilgrim Mill peninsula pay for the cost of having their septic tank pumped out. The department just expanded the program eligibility to include additional near-the-lake areas that lie east of GA 400 and south of Highway 369/ Brown’s Bridge Road.
Why do septic tanks need to be pumped out?
Solid materials from toilets and household drains flow into the septic tank and settle to the bottom. Bacteria and other microbes that are present in these materials digest the waste and reduce its volume, but some waste remains in the tank. Over time, waste builds up and fills the tank so that the septic system can’t function properly.
Clogged septic tanks can cause sewage to backup into the house or leak into the soil. Both outcomes cause bacterial contamination of the environment. Leaking septic tanks that are near the lake can contaminate our source of drinking water.
How often do septic tanks need to be pumped out?
As a general rule, household septic tanks should be inspected and pumped out every 3-5 years. How often your septic tank needs to be pumped out depends on the size of the tank, the number of people living in the house, and what types of materials get flushed. Some types of toilet paper resist breaking down, and some things, like baby wipes and plastic gloves, don’t break down at all. Flushing items that don’t biodegrade causes the tank to fill up more quickly and require more frequent pumping out.
How does the Septic Tank Pump-out Program help?
Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department customers who own a residence that uses a septic system for wastewater disposal and that is located within the designated geographic areas of the program may be eligible to receive a $100 rebate credit on their water bill when they hire a licensed septic tank pumping company to pump out their tank. Other eligibility requirements include having a current Forsyth County Water and Sewer account in good standing, a septic system that is at least 36 months old, and completing the on-line rebate application within 90 days of the pump-out service.
To check if your property is within the Septic Tank Pump-out Program area and learn more eligibility and application details, visit https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Water-Sewer and click on the “Septic Tank Pump-Out Program” button.