August 2024

While most residents are on city sewer, there are still thousands of septic tanks in Franklin County, especially in outerlying and more rural areas. National Septic Smart week is coming up next month, so let's review how to be Septic Smart.

Septic Systems Can Affect Water Quality

Failing septic systems can impact local water quality. Septic waste is very high in e. Coli and can spread infectious diseases or illnesses if humans come into contact with contaminated water. At Franklin Soil and Water, this is a part of what we do in partnership with Franklin County Public Health. Each year, we go out and check septic systems in certain areas to make sure they are not leaking into nearby waterways. If we will be checking your property, we send out a mailing to notify you. If you see one of our staff, say hi! If you think you found a leaking septic tank, contact Franklin County Public Health.

Check out this graphic from USEPA to see how a conventional septic system works.

Septic Smart Tips

Follow these tips to prolong the life of your septic system and prevent problems from misuse!

Think at the sink. Do not toss food waste, especially fats, grease, or solids down your pipes. These can potentially clog your pipes and drainfield. Additionally, do not pour harsh chemicals down your drain.

Don't overload the commode. Do not treat your toilet like a trash can. Do not flush diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, cat litter - just to name a few.

Don't strain the drain. Use water efficiently. Stagger the use of water-based appliances. Too much water at once can overload a system that hasn't been pumped recently.

Shield your field. Keep an eye on your drainfield. Tree and shrub roots and heavy things like cars or livestock can damage your drainfield.

Protect and inspect. Regular maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in repairs, protects public health, and protects the longevity of your system.

Plan Ahead for Parties. Inspect and pump your system before large gatherings or rent a portable restroom to prevent overflows from increased use.

EPA SepticSmart Week Quick Tip Video Compilation

Next Franklin County Pollinator Pathway Meeting on Thursday July 18, 5:30-7:00pm

We are hosting a Franklin County Pollinator Pathway meeting on Thursday August 15, 5:30-7:00pm at Franklin Soil & Water Conservation District. This meeting with be hybrid. If you can't make it, you can sign up for email updates here.

Save the Date!

Franklin SWCD Annual Meeting

Thursday September 19, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Our 2024 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday September 19, 5:30-7:30pm at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Keeping with the rotating watershed theme we started in 2022, please join us this year to celebrate conservation along the beautiful Scioto River. Sponsorships are available!

Upcoming Events

Check out these events from the District and our partners.



COMMUNITY BACKYARDS WORKSHOPS

Most of our rebate workshops have already happened in the spring, but we will have a few more in late summer that are TBD. Check out these upcoming ones.

• Virtual Composting Tips & Tricks - Tuesday August 13, 7-8pm on Zoom w/ Sunny Glen Garden
• Gahanna - Sunday September 8, 2-3:30pm at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Gahanna Branch w/ Friends of Alum Creek & Tributaries (FACT)

Our workshops are open to everyone! You are welcome to attend a workshop in a different community than where you live. Find dates and sign ups here. If the registration is closed, you're still welcome to just SHOW UP. See the presenters to fill out a voucher request, and we will send it in a couple business days after the workshop.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Check out these upcoming community events.

• Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival - August 8-10
• Columbus Arborfest - Saturday August 24, 1-5pm
• Grandview Dog Swim - Tuesday September 3, 4-7pm ($10 for residents, $15 for non-residents - register online only!)
• Hilliard Doggie Dippin' - Tuesday September 3 ($5/dog, dogs 40 lbs or less @ 5-5:45pm, dogs >40 lbs @ 6-6:45pm)

Yardening Tips from Lonnie the Garden Gnome

Consider these August "yardening" tips.

• Put that rain barrel to good use in the summer heat! Use your rain barrel to water your gardens and flowerbeds.
• Newly planted native perennial plants will need watering in their first year to help them establish, especially during heat waves or low rainfall, but they will be more resilient after the first year.
• Fall is a good time to plant native perennials, shrubs and trees. Start thinking about your fall garden plans now.
• Remember to PUP this summer!

Get the Scoop from Nature Scoop

Want to learn more about backyard conservation, pollinators, and more? Read the latest edition of the monthly newsletter Nature Scoop by Toni Stahl, National Wildlife Federation Habitat Ambassador.

Nature Scoop August 2024 - Native Plants. Bird Perches. Chiggers & More!

Learn more at www.nwf.org/certify and on Twitter/X @NatureScoopOhio.

Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District | (614) 486-9613 | www.franklinswcd.org