New England Onsite Wastewater Training Program
Onsite septic systems are used in about 25% of the United States
wastewater systems to treat residential and
commercial wastewater. Septic systems work through a process
of separation, settling and discharge. As sewage flows into the tank, the solids and
liquids are separated as the larger particles settle and bacterially
decompose, and the treated liquid is released into the ground.
A failed septic system may discharge untreated wastewater and
sewage into the groundwater, nearby streams or water bodies.
The most important step in reducing pollution from onsite wastewater
treatment systems is educating the public on maintaining, improving
and managing septic systems and introducing alternative and
innovative technology to improve onsite wastewater performance.
The
New England Onsite Wastewater Training Center (OWTC) 
is
part of the
University
of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Water Quality Program.
The
training center provides a variety of courses with
classroom and hands-on education for professionals, regulators, municipal and state
officials, watershed groups, real estate agents and homeowners
throughout New England. The OWTC has a demonstration site complete with 22 full-scale above ground
systems for hands-on learning about conventional, alternative
and innovative septic systems. The Onsite Wastewater Training
Program also conducts research on alternative septic systems
and has partnered up with CSREES programs in EPA Region
2
and other National Programs.