We need a global approach to this from all sides. We need to educate people, we need the scientists to create new technologies, we need the engineers to create the networks, we need every human being to be aware of how precious water is and save it. Everybody has to be involved in a very firm and assertive way.
”Water: The Drop of Life
Environmental Resources
Doing you part to prevent wastewater emergencies
Public education is key to preserving and enhancing our local as well as global water environment. These resources form Sewer Smart will help you learn how to prevent costly damage to your home, community and environment by learning more about:
- The DOs and DON'Ts for keeping your sanitary sewer working properly!
- The two types of sewers in your home.
- How to determine if your home is at risk of a sewer backup.
- How to prevent backups and backflows
- What you need to know before planting trees on your property
- How to find contractor and nursery Sewer Smart partners
EPA Wastewater Education Materials
In depth information, pdf resources and links related to wastewater treatment issues can be found on the EPA website. These include:
General Wastewater Outreach Materials
- Where Does All the Dirty Water Go?
This brochure raises citizen's awareness of the importance of wastewater, explains the basics of wastewater treatment, and contains helpful hints for homeowners about what NOT to put into the sanitary sewer system. - Wastewater Treatment Programs Serving Small Communities
This brochure summarizes all the EPA or EPA-sponsored resources available to small communities to address wastewater issues.
- What Happens After the Flush
This colorful reprint from The Family Handyman Magazine explains how various wastewater systems work using excellent illustrations. Reprinted with permission from The Family Handyman magazine, 1997 Home Service Publications, Inc., an affiliate of The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., Suite 700, 2915 Commers Drive, Eagan, MN 55121. All rights reserved. - Use of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to Implement Security Measures at Publicly-Owned Wastewater Treatment Works
This fact sheet explains what can be funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to increase security at wastewater treatment plants.
Materials for Better Septic System Management
- A Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems
This 17-page booklet describes how a septic system works and what a homeowner can do to help the system treat their wastewater efficiently. - Homeowner Septic System Checklist
This worksheet allows homeowners to keep track of septic system inspections and maintenance. This checklist is included in the booklet above or may also be used separately. - Funding Decentralized Wastewater Systems Using the
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
This fact sheet describes options for using the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance installation, repair, and upgrading of septic systems.
Other Helpful Materials
- Benefits of Protecting Your Community from Sanitary Sewer Overflows
This brochure outlines the benefits of controlling sanitary sewer overflows, which include healthier communities, an increase in the number of waterfront visitors, and satisfied taxpayers. - One-Stop Shopping in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program
This fact sheet highlights one-stop shopping initiatives that have been created in many states. - The Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Gap Analysis
This report reviews the historical pattern of infrastructure investment, compares it to a projection of future needs, and provides an assessment of the gap between needs and spending. - Primer for Wastewater Treatment
This document explains basic centralized and onsite wastewater treatment and advanced methods for treating wastes. This informative document is appropriate for educating middle and high school students and the public. This publication is not available for download. To request a copy, please contact EPA's NPDES program at npdesbox-request@epa.gov or fax your request to (202) 564-6392.
Water Environment Federation®
WEF is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF and its Member Associations proudly work to preserve and enhance the global water environment. This includes educating the public about the importance of proper wastewater treatment.
Resources for teaching children about today's most important water environment topics
These resources are designed to help teachers educate and motivate students to become involved in protecting water environments. The materials are provided free of charge by the
- Hands-On Activities using The Water Sourcebook pdf series.
Curriculum Materials - View an interactive diagram of a wastewater treatment plant.
Go with the Flow. - Learn the story of water, its treatment and use throughout history, and its importance to life on Earth using the The Aqua Venturer©, an interactive global timeline of water and wastewater past, present, and future.
Aquaventurer Time Machine - A helpful list of websites offering Educational/Classroom information and resources about water issues.
Educators resources on the web
Get involved with organizations focused on improving water sanitation and water quality for people across the globe
Make a difference. Learn how you can help improve their quality of life for people living in developing countries by getting involved with organizations that support the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene education programs.
