When we shed some light on a Septic Socials project in Washington State in 2012, this local program seemed like the kind of idea that could take off in other parts of the country. In a May 2012 Pumper Interview feature, we talked to Teri King, of the Washington Sea Grant program, who laid out the step-by-step approach they were taking to educate the public about effective septic system maintenance.

I felt the local group’s public service efforts were worthy of national attention, and we were happy to broadcast their story to the Pumper community. Since that time, I’ve noticed a few other communities starting up similar projects. One of those septic social programs was announced recently, clear across the country on the East Coast.

In Maine, the Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District and Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission will host a their own septic social Sept. 7. It’s a free event and open to anyone. To learn more about their local efforts at homeowner education, visit http://www.androscogginswcd.org.

Customer education is critical to the future success of decentralized wastewater treatment. As systems become more complex and environmental concerns grow, it will be imperative that pumpers and their customers work as a team to successfully maintain these private systems.

I thought from the start that the folks in Washington State hit on a great formula, choosing to combine a serious environmental awareness message with a party to gather the community together. And it’s great to see the idea catching on across the country.

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