Well & Septic News for Residents

NC State Seeking Well Users for Research Study

NC State researchers are seeking private well users in Wake County to participate in a research study. Participants will allow NC State researchers to collect and test a well water sample from their property with a new chemical screening technology. Sample collection will not disrupt the normal use of the well and can be done from an outdoor spigot (preferred) or indoor tap. Participants' identifying information will be kept confidential. Participants will be asked to meet with researchers twice (at water sample collection and when well water results are finalized) for 15-20 minutes. Participants will be asked some questions about their well water. This study will assess how the new chemical screening technology impacts well-testing decisions for private well users and Wake County.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please review the study details and provide your consent to participate using this link:

https://ncsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eksPKuSUftXdkma

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Nichols at 919.513.4832 or egnichol@ncsu.edu.

5 Tips to Protect Your Family, Your Septic System and Our Community’s Water Quality

As a septic system owner, you are a wastewater plant manager. Properly maintained septic fields protect water quality and save you money on unnecessary repairs from septic failures.

Pump out your tank every three to five years. Depending on how much water you use. Clean your filter at least once a year.
Avoid putting too much water into the septic system. Typical water use is about 50 gallons per day for each person in the family.
Keep grease and cooking oils out of the sink drain. Only use products marked safe for septic systems and avoid flushing nonbiodegradable materials down the drain.
Keep vehicles off your drain field. Don’t drive or park on the system.
Prune and maintain any plants that grow on and around your drain field. Overgrowth can damage your system.

DO YOUR PART! Maintain your septic system to protect your home, health and water!

Financial Help for Well and Septic System Repairs

Do you have a problem with your well or your septic system, but the cost is keeping you from fixing it? There are financial assistance programs that may be able to help. Check our Financial Help page for more information.