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Have your septic system pumped every 3-5 years

A properly working septic system delivers wastewater to the soil where it is filtered before reaching groundwater. However, a malfunctioning septic system can be a health threat and degrade the quality of groundwater and nearby surface waters. A septic system must be pumped by a licensed septic contractor every three to five years to remove solid waste and grease. To learn more, check out A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems., or our Septic and Well Maintenance Tip Sheet.

Upgrade your septic system to increase nitrogen removal

Traditional septic systems do not remove nitrogen from wastewater. Leaking septic tanks are a major contribution to nitrogen pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. An outdated septic system can be upgraded to a new Pretreatment System which reduces nitrogen by at least 50% and often extends the life of the drainage field.

Residents living within 1,000 feet of tidal waters may be eligible to receive funding for a septic system upgrade through the Bay Restoration Fund. To learn more, contact Frederick County’s program contact, the Canaan Valley Institute, at 304.940.3443.

Follow an urban nutrient management plan completed by a contractor

Soil tests can be useful for a number of reasons when trying to decrease your household’s environmental impact. Overuse of lawn fertilizers is a large contributor to nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Testing your soil can help you determine whether or not you need to fertilize your lawn, and how much fertilizer is appropriate to use. A soil test can also help you design a rain garden, vegetable garden, xeriscape, tree planting, or other landscaping feature and warn you of dangerous contaminants such as heavy metals. Learn more about soil testing from University of Maryland Extension. Check out our Tips for Green Leaders Lawn Maintenance Fact Sheet for more information.

Refrain from using fertilizers on your lawn and gardens

The overuse of lawn fertilizers is a large contributor to nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Excess nutrient loading, or eutrophication, can cause algae blooms, leading to low dissolved oxygen and high water turbidity, or cloudy water. Excessive use of fertilizers can also damage beneficial soil life that helps plants grow. Learn more about proper fertilizer use and lawn maintenance from our Tips for Green Leaders Lawn Maintenance Fact Sheet, the EPA GreenScapes program, or the University of Maryland Extension.

Become a Master Gardener or a Master Composter

The mission of the Master Gardener program provided by the University of Maryland Cooperative extension is to “educate Maryland residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes and communities.”

As a Master Composter, you can improve composting techniques and use the knowledge learned from courses about water quality, nutrient management, soil conservation, and recycling towards your own household and to help others.

Check out the Frederick County Master Gardeners site for more information about gardeners and activities in Frederick.

Recycle ink and laser toner printer cartridges

Many printer companies accept used cartridges in the mail, and several businesses in the Frederick area accept drop-offs, including Best Buy and Office Depot. Use this list of mail-in and drop-off services to find a location near you.

You can even raise money for your school, church, or other community organization by hosting a used printer cartridge drive.