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Agreement to Help Improve Water Quality

Release Date: 11/20/2008
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov

(11/20/08) Wastewater treatment systems serving 25 million homes across the country will be improved, thanks to an agreement among EPA and 14 national organizations. The organizations will work together to improve management of septic wastewater systems by exchanging information and providing technical assistance to their members, states and local municipalities.

Nearly one quarter of the nation’s housing and commercial development depend on onsite and septic wastewater treatment systems. When properly sited, designed, and maintained, these systems perform at a high level. However, between 10 and 20 percent fail each year, posing a great threat to surface and groundwater. Malfunctioning systems are the second greatest threat to groundwater quality in the United States.

More information on EPA's wastewater treatment system program: http://epa.gov/owm/septic