Wastewater Resources
Malfunctioning septic systems can contaminate groundwater and surface water, potentially affecting individuals as well as the environment.
Explore these onsite (decentralized) wastewater resources for environmental health professionals from CDC and partners.
Local Board of Health Guide to On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems [PDF – 933 KB] National Association of Local Boards of Health, NALBOH) – Learn about the role of local boards of health in effective on-site wastewater treatment programs (produced in collaboration with CDC)
Septic Systems Outreach Toolkit (EPA) – Find materials, case studies, and resources to help promote homeowner education on the importance of septic system maintenance.
Wastewater Fact Sheet [PDF – 261 KB] (NALBOH) – Read about board of health actions related to wastewater.
Wastewater Management – Read an overview of how land use decisions related to wastewater management affect water quality and public health.
Environmental Public Health Online Courses (EPHOC) – Access comprehensive online/on-demand package of courses for environmental public health practitioners including a module on wastewater
Healthy Housing Reference Manual – Find information on the impact of housing on health and safety including a chapter on onsite wastewater treatment
Wastewater Publications – Explore our wastewater publications
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Septic (Onsite/Decentralized) Systems
- Technical Information about Septic Systems
- Office of Wastewater Management (OWM)
Groundwater Protection Council
National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
Onsite Sewage Treatment Program (University of Minnesota)
Onsite Wastewater Systems (U.S. Geological Survey)