| Tool | Issues Addressed | Considerations | Examples |
| Septic System Monitoring A program of educating property owners and/or enforcing minimum requirements for the monitoring and maintenance of existing septic systems. This helps reduce the number of system failures and the unacceptable environmental consequences that result. |
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Berkeley Lake-septic monitoring Douglas County-septic monitoring Gwinnett County-Septic Tank Maintenance Harbour Point Implementation Examples Outside Georgia |
Septic System Monitoring |
Guides For Implementing This Tool
Georgia Quality Growth Partnership
The Septic System Monitoring tool includes step-by-step guides for implementation, considerations about costs, administrative requirements, and example ordinances or similar materials that may be used for putting approaches into practice.
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/intra_nonpub/Toolkit/Guides/SptcSystmMontrg.pdf
Model Ordinances
No records available.Aids For Visualizing This Tool
Failing septic systems can cause damaging algal blooms in nearby lakes and streams
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/intra_nonpub/Toolkit/VisualAids/algae_septicmonitor.jpg [JPEG - 54,260 bytes]
Generalized cross-section of a septic tank
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/intra_nonpub/Toolkit/VisualAids/tankxsection_septic.gif [GIF - 5,012 bytes]
Septic Tank with a drainfield. Perforated pipe in the drainfield allows the soil to absorb treated effluent.
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/intra_nonpub/Toolkit/VisualAids/distrib_septic.gif [GIF - 8,137 bytes]
Georgia Implementation Examples
Douglas County, GA - The Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority can disconnect water to houses along the Dog River basin--a county drinking water source--if septic tanks aren't pumped every five years.
Gwinnett County, GA - On their website Gwinnett County has provided multiple resources to assist residents and business owners in maintaining their septic systems. Also, the BOC recently hired an environmental company to identify areas of failing septic systems and determine remedies. Finally, Gwinnett County keeps accurate records using computers to track and catalog septic systems.
Gwinnett County, GA - The city of Berkeley Lake in Gwinnett County established a pumping requirement for more than 600 lakefront homes. It is part of their septic systems ordinance that requires property owners to have their tanks inspected and serviced every 5 years. Homeowners who fail to comply can face fines of $500 and 60 days in jail.
Hall County, GA - Harbour Point is a large privately-owned residential community located on the shores of Lake Lanier. There are many steep sloping areas and the developer knew that they needed to include a community septic system in their plans. Each resident was responsible for the installation and maintenance of a 1500-gallon septic tank and a wastewater filter for their own unit. They also have a contract with a private management company for monthly monitoring and maintenence. The community utilizes a community cluster system.
Implementation Examples Outside Georgia
No data available at this time. Check back for updates.Other Resources
No records available.