November 2023
Backyard Conversation
Connecting Community + Conservation
Welcome to the Backyard Conversation! Each month we'll be sharing a conservation topic from a more personal viewpoint for our readers. To make this successful, I want to hear feedback from you! I'll include a poll at the bottom regarding our topic and share links to some of our partner organizations with similar messages. So, let's get to it!
Septic Smart
Don't Strain Your Drain
Although most of Franklin County has been tied into utility systems, there are quite a few home sewage treatment systems (aka HSTS) in Franklin County. An HSTS AKA a septic tank is like a mini wastewater treatment system for your home. HSTS are very common in rural areas or areas without city sewer service. When they aren't properly maintained, they can leak and discharge into waterways. Let's prevent that from happening by being septic smart.
Septic Tank Basics

A septic system that isn't properly maintained can leak and pollute a nearby waterway. It's not good for water quality or the aquatic life that lives in the waterway. It smells and can contaminate nearby drinking water sources like surface water, groundwater, and wells. It can be unsafe for humans to come into contact with and could spread diseases or infections. Sewage in a waterway looks like a cloudy gray or brown color and typically smells like sewage.

If you find a leaking HSTS in City of Columbus city limits, please contact Columbus Public Health. If you have an HSTS and live within City of Columbus, check out their Septic Tank Elimination Program and other resources.

If you find a leaking HSTS in Franklin County but outside the City of Columbus, please file this complaint form with Franklin County Public Health. Check out their resources too.

In Franklin County but not sure if it is inside or outside of Columbus? Think it's leaking sewage but not sure? Call Franklin Soil and Water at 614-486-9613 or contact us via our contact form, and we will help!
Septic Smart Maintenance

It can be $1,000s to $10,000s expensive to repair or replace a septic system. Just like other appliances and mechanicals at home, your HSTS needs routine maintanence to stay effective and protect the longevity of the system. This will save you money in the long run and help to prevent problems or leaking.

Pump It Out - With routine pumping and inspection, your septic tank should last 20 to 30 years! How often you should pump will depend on your specific system and size, but pumping it every three years is the minimum recommendation. A properly maintained HSTS is good for property and resale value too.

Think at the Sink - Your toilet is not a trash can! Neither are your sinks. You shouldn't flush some things down your household drains - these can cause clogs and shorten the life of your drains and septic system. These same tips apply if you are on city sewer! Do not dump or flush these items:
  • Fats/oils/grease
  • Tissues
  • Cigarette butts
  • Feminine products
  • Condoms
  • Wipes
  • Diapers
  • Paints
  • Pesticides/herbicides
  • Medications
  • Bacterial additives

Check out more tips and the graphic below from US EPA's SepticSmart program.
Save More Than Food

With the holidays coming up, there will be lots of cooking and sharing food with family and friends! Check out Save More Than Food to learn how to reduce your food waste.
Yardening Tips from Lonnie the Garden Gnome

What are your fall "yardening" plans? Consider these tips.

  • Leave the leaves! Leave the leaves on your lawn and garden beds. Leaves put nutrients back into the soil when they break down and provide habitat for many beneficial insects. Learn more from Xerces Society.
  • Keep storm drains clear of debris like leaves and litter. Only rain down the drain.
  • Empty and disconnect your rain barrel from the downspout and store it for the winter. Don't forget to insert the winterization plug into the downspout!
  • Properly dispose of household hazardous waste and old prescription drugs to keep them out of the environment.
  • Learn how to be "Salt Smart" before the snow starts.
Question of the Month
Do you have a septic tank at home?
Yes
No
I don't know
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 November 2023 - Save leaves, Conservation tips for our yards, Fall garden information & More!

Learn more at www.nwf.org/certify and on Twitter/X @NatureScoopOhio.
Mikaela Mohr
Outreach Program Specialist
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
1404 Goodale Blvd. Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43212 
p: 614-486-9613 | e: mmohr@franklinswcd.org
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District | (614) 486-9613 | www.franklinswcd.org