Septic tanks should be pumped out every one to three years to remove the build up of sludge, which accumulates in the tank to prevent solids from overflowing and clogging the septic field.

Homeowners may become concerned with onsite sewage systems due to the cold weather and lack of snow cover. For the thousands of systems that we have in the district, the number actually freezing is minimal. However, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Minimizing your grey water output can help.

Solid toilet waste is considered to be classified as 'black water'. It contains the primary source of bacteria that provides for decomposition of organic waste. This process normally generates sufficient heat to keep the field from freezing in the winter.

'Grey water' comes from laundry, showering, and dishwashing. Grey water lacks the bacteria required to allow the tank to operate normally.

Here are some tips that will minimize grey water:

• Flush toilets with solid waste only. "If it's yellow let it mellow. If it's brown flush it down."
  
• Adjust the water level for laundry loads appropriate to the amount of clothes in the load.
  
• Spread out laundry loads as much as possible.
  
• A five minute shower will use less water that a bath. However, a half hour shower will not save you any grey water output.
  
• If you use a dishwasher, ensure that you are running full loads.