on!from !O nsite!W aste!W ater!Treatm ent
Chris/na!Kliesch,!MPH!Candidate! Lenoir!Rhyne!University!
!
Methods Data on septic system densities and usage are drawn on 1990 census data, the last year this data was collected. This is a significant limitation in this research project. However, it does serve as a baseline with the assumption that development in the past 22 years will have only increased the risks. Information received through interviewing Tony Gallegos of Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WP-COG), relayed the extent of the problem of water contamination due to septic systems, as well as difficulties and possibilities in programs to maintain them. An interview with Mike ! County, led to information on the public health Cash, Environmental Health Supervisor of Catawba ! failure, and historical and current record keeping risks of septic system failures, the main reasons for methods. GIS maps published by the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service were reviewed to locate areas of high density onsite wastewater treatment systems Catawba River Basin, and areas of high potential Nitrogen loading and Fecal Coliform Bacteria exceedances.
12%
13%
8%
5 to 7 8 to 12 All Ages years years Percent!
7%
Table 1: Onsite Wastewater Treatment System failure rate by age group 0.16! 0.14!
0.08!
0.1!
0.12!
0.06! 0.04! 0.02!
2 to 4 years
17
As the septic systems on the 1990 census maps would now be 22 years older, and some newer development would fall in the 2-4 year age group, Catawba River Basin has a large number of system failures. Based on the recorded number of septic systems in 1990 of 168,63618 we could expect at least 22,597 failures a year. Of course, this is a best case scenario, not taking into account 22 years of additional development, nor younger systems’ failure rates.
0!
Further increasing the risks of Nitrogen contamination is the high rate of failure of septic systems. As Table 1 illustrates, NC DENR’s research shows that systems have the highest rate of failure for older systems, starting at age 8 years (13.4%). Interestingly, the youngest systems have the next highest rates of failure (2- 4 years, 11.8%).
High rate of failure of septic systems
By using a estimated amount of Nitrogen production of 10 pounds per year per person, the potential N loading is very high, independently and when compared to other river basins (Figure 5).
In 1990, the Catawba River basin had the highest septic system density of the North Carolina’s 17 river basins: 53 systems per square mile (Figure 4). Even higher density can be seen in some sub-basins. (Figure 4). This is far above the EPA’s recommendation of a maximum of 40 systems/mi2. .
Compared to other NC river basins, a lower percentage of the Catawba River Basin population uses onsite wastewater treatment systems(40%) (Figure 3). However, the density of the existing systems is an issue.
The Catawba River Basin faces a number of challenges to water quality due to Nitrogen non-point pollution from septic systems
High density of septic systems & high potential of nitrogen loading
Results
Literature from Environmental Health Journals, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and several studies of North Carolina River Basins were reviewed to determine contamination risks, best practices of septic tank maintenance and education programs.
Figure 3: Waste management systems in North Carolina river basins, 199014
Figure 4: Density of septic systems for North Carolina’s river basins (inset) and the 9 sub-basins of the Catawba River basin, 199015
Figure 5:
Figure 5: Potential Nitrogen loading for North Carolina’s river basins (inset) and the 9 sub-basins of the Catawba River basin, 199016
Acknowledgements Many thanks to Tony Gallegos, Natural Resources Administrator, Western Piedmont Council of Governments & Mike Cash, Catawba County Environmental Health Supervisor for their time and expertise.
Background photo: ©Jeremy Grady southernenvironment.org
1. Pradhan, S., M. T. Hoover, R. Austin & H. A. Devine. (2004). Potential nutrient loadings from on-site systems to watersheds. In On-site Wastewater Treatment X. Proceedings of 10th National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Systems (pp. 441-450). St. Joseph, MI: American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). (1977). The report to Congress—Waste disposal practices and their effects on groundwater (EPA Publication No. 570977002). Washington, DC: Office of Water Supply, Office of Solid Waste Management Programs. 3. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR). (2002). Typical water budget for the North Carolina Coastal Plain. Raleigh, NC: Division of Water Resources. Retrieved from http://www.ncwater.org. 4. N.C. Groundwater Association. 2003. Web site. Online: http://www.ncgwa.org 5, 6, 7. Lindbo, D., Hoover, M. & Hammett, W. (2000). Soil Facts – Septic Systems and the Environment. Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. 8, 9. Tyler, E. T., R. Laak, E. McCoy, and S. S. Sandhu. (1977). "The Soil as a Treatment System." in Home Sewage Treatment. ASAE publication 5-77. 10. Pradhan, et. al. 11. Zeman, C., Beltz, L., Linda, M., Maddux, J. & Depken, D. (2011, November). New Questions and Insights Into Nitrate/Nitrite and Human Health Effects: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Private Well Users' Immunological and Wellness. Journal of Environmental Health 74(4), 8-18. 12. Lin, J. & Li, J. (2011) Nutrient Response Modeling in Falls of the Neuse Reservoir. Environmental Management 47, 398–409. doi:10.1007/s00267-011-9617-4 13. Carey, R. & Migliaccio, K. (2009). Contribution of Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents to Nutrient Dynamics in Aquatic Systems: A Review. Environmental Management 44, 205–217. doi: 10.1007/s00267-009-9309-5 14, 15, 16. Pradhan, et. al. 17. Uebler, R.L., Berkowitz, S., Beusher, P., Avery, M., Burke, P. & K. Arrington. (2006). Performance of Chamber and EZ1203H Systems Compared to Conventional Gravel Septic Tank Systems in North Carolina. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 18. Personal communication, Mike Cash 19. Silverman, G. (2005, July/August). The Effectiveness of Education as a Tool to Manage Onsite Septic Systems. Journal of Environmental Health 68(1),17-22, 38. 20. Personal Communication, Tony Gallegos 21, 22. Hughes, J. & Simonson, A. (2005, Fall). Government Financing for On-Site Wastewater Treatment Facilities in North Carolina. Popular Government. 23. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Preventing Septic System Failure. Best Management Practices [http://www.epa.gov/ npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps]. Accessed April 2012.
References
Recommendation 3: Many Catawba River sub basins have had elevated Fecal Coliform Bacteria levels, which indicates contamination from animal or human waste. By separating results for E-Coli and enterococci, human sources of contamination can be identified leading to more targeted surveying and repair programs.
Recommendation 2: Adding inland recreational water monitoring data that is already collected to NC DENR’s Shellfish Sanitation and Recreational Water Quality program would be a low cost way to better track water contamination and notify the public of unsafe conditions.. Currently, this program only monitors coastal waters for contamination.
• Chesterfield County (VA) - private pumpers submit form to county, and county maintains database of tracking pumpout . Every 5 years county sends residents notification for pumpout requirement. If the owner does not comply the county contracts to have pumpout performed and can fine or back-charge to owner24.
• Albemarle Septic Management Entity – property owners pay a $50 annual fee for an auto-scheduled inspection and are notified if any problems are found23
• Nags Head Septic Health Initiative – low cost loans, partial rebates for pump costs, reimbursement for septic system inspections22
Recommendation 1: Financial Incentive/low cost loans WP-COG is implementing a septic system repair program that utilizes low cost loans for residents on fixed incomes. While it is being modeled after the effective Unifour Septic Tank Repair program21, it would benefit from implementing other strategies proven effective in other parts of North Carolina and other nearby states:
Education – Catawba County Public Health Department has a number of education services in place. However, knowledge of onsite septic tank management has not been shown to significantly improve personal practices.20
Improved Record Keeping – Already being implemented in Catawba County. New permits are electronically stored and GIS coordinates recorded.19
Recommendations
! Non%Point!Source!Pollu/on!from!Onsite!Waste!Water!Treatment!Systems! In!the!Catawba!River!Basin! Introduction North Carolina residents are dependent on onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic tanks) as a primary method of water treatment. It is estimated that 50% of North Carolinians are not connected to public wastewater treatment systems.1 According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), areas with a septic system density of greater than 40 systems per square mile are at the greatest risk for groundwater contamination.2 Groundwater discharge represents the majority of water that flows into North Carolina’s rivers, : with much precipitation lost due to evaporation and surface run off.3 Fifty two percent of North Carolinians depend on groundwater as their drinking water supply, so maintaining a clean water supply is of utmost importance.4
Background Wastewater (influent) enters a tank where solids settle and are digested by bacteria; septic tanks require periodic pumping to remove these solids. Liquid waste continues to the drain field where it percolates through the soil; bacterial action and filtration through the soil produce water free of harmful bacteria and contaminants, which then flows into the water table (effluent).
How do onsite waste water treatment systems work?5
?
Effluent enters ground or surface water without being treated 1. Effluent surfaces over drain field 2. Groundwater contamination 3. Well contamination 4. Seep to the surface 5. Overland flow and surface water contamination
Consequences of septic system failure:6
Figure 1: Properly working onsite wastewater system8
Figure 2: Malfunctioning onsite wastewater system9
Excessive water use - increase in household inhabitants over OWTS capacity Build up of solids in tank – due to improper disposal of solids (kitchen or household waste) or not pumping tank regularly Malfunctioning drain fields – due to solids entering pipes and clogging soil pores
Causes of failing septic systems:7 • •
•
What are the Risks of Nitrogen Contamination?
Normal groundwater levels of nitrate rarely surpass 0.1 milligram per liter (mg/L) as nitrate nitrogen (NO3 – N). Levels greater than 5mg/L indicate human, animal or fertilizer contamination. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set maximum contaminant level at 10mg/L. Levels higher than that are indicated in several health risks.10
!
Risks!to!human!health!11
Oxygen!deple9on! Decreased!water!clarity! Abnormal!pH!
Methemoglobinemia/!“blue2baby”! gastrointes9nal!illnesses! syndrome! bone/joint!disorders!! spontaneous!abor9on! high!produc9on!of!the!TNF2ß!cytokine! gastrointes9nal!and!esophageal! (can!cause!cell!death)! cancers!! Risk!to!waterways!12! Aqua9c!life!impact! Eutrophica9on! Algal!blooms!
Risks!to!water!treatment!facili/es!13! Economic!costs!to!!treat!wastewater!through!the!biochemical!processes!of! nitrifica9on!oxida9on!of!!NH4!–N!and!organic2nitrogen!to!NO3!–N!within!an!aerobic! zone)!and!denitrifica9on!(reduc9on!of!NO3!–N!to!gaseous!nitrogen!in!an!anoxic! environment)!
Non-Point Source Pollution from Onsite Waste Water Treatment Systems In the Catawba River Basin Christina Kliesch Lenoir Rhyne University Introduction: North Carolina residents are dependent on onsite wastewater treatment as a primary method of water treatment. Fifty percent of North Carolinians are not connected to public wastewater treatment systems. In addition, 52% of North Carolinians depend on groundwater as their drinking water supply. There is a great potential of Nitrogen contamination of ground water, due to septic systems. Nitrogen contamination can lead to a variety of human health risks, impairment of aquatic life, and significant costs to wastewater facilities. Methods: Data on septic system densities and usage are drawn on 1990 census data, the last year this data was collected. This is a significant limitation in this research project. My research consisted of a variety of sources. Interviews with Environmental Health professionals revealed the extent of the problem of septic system failures, past and future maintenance and repair programs, public health risks and historical and current record keeping methods. GIS maps published by the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service were reviewed to locate areas of high-density onsite wastewater treatment systems Catawba River Basin, and areas of high potential Nitrogen loading and Fecal Coliform Bacteria exceedances. Literature from Environmental Health Journals, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and several studies of North Carolina River Basins were reviewed to determine contamination risks, best practices of septic tank maintenance and education programs. Results: Catawba River basin has the highest septic system density of the North Carolina’s 17 river basins: 53 systems per square mile, which is far above the EPA’s recommendation of a maximum of 40 systems/mi2. Further increasing the risks of Nitrogen contamination is the high rate of failure of septic systems, which can be as high as 13% per year. Recommendations: Based on my research I make the following recommendations for improving the Catawba River Basin’s water quality: financial incentives & low cost loans for septic repair and maintenance, adding inland recreational water monitoring data to NC DENR’s database, and separating testing results for E-Coli and enterococci.
!
Methods Data on septic system densities and usage are drawn on 1990 census data, the last year this data was collected. This is a significant limitation in this research project. However, it does serve as a baseline with the assumption that development in the past 22 years will have only increased the risks. Information received through interviewing Tony Gallegos of Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WP-COG), relayed the extent of the problem of water contamination due to septic systems, as well as difficulties and possibilities in programs to maintain them. An interview with Mike ! County, led to information on the public health Cash, Environmental Health Supervisor of Catawba ! failure, and historical and current record keeping risks of septic system failures, the main reasons for methods. GIS maps published by the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service were reviewed to locate areas of high density onsite wastewater treatment systems Catawba River Basin, and areas of high potential Nitrogen loading and Fecal Coliform Bacteria exceedances.
12%
13%
8%
5 to 7 8 to 12 All Ages years years Percent!
7%
Table 1: Onsite Wastewater Treatment System failure rate by age group 0.16! 0.14!
0.08!
0.1!
0.12!
0.06! 0.04! 0.02!
2 to 4 years
17
As the septic systems on the 1990 census maps would now be 22 years older, and some newer development would fall in the 2-4 year age group, Catawba River Basin has a large number of system failures. Based on the recorded number of septic systems in 1990 of 168,63618 we could expect at least 22,597 failures a year. Of course, this is a best case scenario, not taking into account 22 years of additional development, nor younger systems’ failure rates.
0!
Further increasing the risks of Nitrogen contamination is the high rate of failure of septic systems. As Table 1 illustrates, NC DENR’s research shows that systems have the highest rate of failure for older systems, starting at age 8 years (13.4%). Interestingly, the youngest systems have the next highest rates of failure (2- 4 years, 11.8%).
High rate of failure of septic systems
By using a estimated amount of Nitrogen production of 10 pounds per year per person, the potential N loading is very high, independently and when compared to other river basins (Figure 5).
In 1990, the Catawba River basin had the highest septic system density of the North Carolina’s 17 river basins: 53 systems per square mile (Figure 4). Even higher density can be seen in some sub-basins. (Figure 4). This is far above the EPA’s recommendation of a maximum of 40 systems/mi2. .
Compared to other NC river basins, a lower percentage of the Catawba River Basin population uses onsite wastewater treatment systems(40%) (Figure 3). However, the density of the existing systems is an issue.
The Catawba River Basin faces a number of challenges to water quality due to Nitrogen non-point pollution from septic systems
High density of septic systems & high potential of nitrogen loading
Results
Literature from Environmental Health Journals, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and several studies of North Carolina River Basins were reviewed to determine contamination risks, best practices of septic tank maintenance and education programs.
Figure 3: Waste management systems in North Carolina river basins, 199014
Figure 4: Density of septic systems for North Carolina’s river basins (inset) and the 9 sub-basins of the Catawba River basin, 199015
Figure 5:
Figure 5: Potential Nitrogen loading for North Carolina’s river basins (inset) and the 9 sub-basins of the Catawba River basin, 199016
Acknowledgements Many thanks to Tony Gallegos, Natural Resources Administrator, Western Piedmont Council of Governments & Mike Cash, Catawba County Environmental Health Supervisor for their time and expertise.
Background photo: ©Jeremy Grady southernenvironment.org
1. Pradhan, S., M. T. Hoover, R. Austin & H. A. Devine. (2004). Potential nutrient loadings from on-site systems to watersheds. In On-site Wastewater Treatment X. Proceedings of 10th National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Systems (pp. 441-450). St. Joseph, MI: American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). (1977). The report to Congress—Waste disposal practices and their effects on groundwater (EPA Publication No. 570977002). Washington, DC: Office of Water Supply, Office of Solid Waste Management Programs. 3. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR). (2002). Typical water budget for the North Carolina Coastal Plain. Raleigh, NC: Division of Water Resources. Retrieved from http://www.ncwater.org. 4. N.C. Groundwater Association. 2003. Web site. Online: http://www.ncgwa.org 5, 6, 7. Lindbo, D., Hoover, M. & Hammett, W. (2000). Soil Facts – Septic Systems and the Environment. Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. 8, 9. Tyler, E. T., R. Laak, E. McCoy, and S. S. Sandhu. (1977). "The Soil as a Treatment System." in Home Sewage Treatment. ASAE publication 5-77. 10. Pradhan, et. al. 11. Zeman, C., Beltz, L., Linda, M., Maddux, J. & Depken, D. (2011, November). New Questions and Insights Into Nitrate/Nitrite and Human Health Effects: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Private Well Users' Immunological and Wellness. Journal of Environmental Health 74(4), 8-18. 12. Lin, J. & Li, J. (2011) Nutrient Response Modeling in Falls of the Neuse Reservoir. Environmental Management 47, 398–409. doi:10.1007/s00267-011-9617-4 13. Carey, R. & Migliaccio, K. (2009). Contribution of Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents to Nutrient Dynamics in Aquatic Systems: A Review. Environmental Management 44, 205–217. doi: 10.1007/s00267-009-9309-5 14, 15, 16. Pradhan, et. al. 17. Uebler, R.L., Berkowitz, S., Beusher, P., Avery, M., Burke, P. & K. Arrington. (2006). Performance of Chamber and EZ1203H Systems Compared to Conventional Gravel Septic Tank Systems in North Carolina. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 18. Personal communication, Mike Cash 19. Silverman, G. (2005, July/August). The Effectiveness of Education as a Tool to Manage Onsite Septic Systems. Journal of Environmental Health 68(1),17-22, 38. 20. Personal Communication, Tony Gallegos 21, 22. Hughes, J. & Simonson, A. (2005, Fall). Government Financing for On-Site Wastewater Treatment Facilities in North Carolina. Popular Government. 23. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Preventing Septic System Failure. Best Management Practices [http://www.epa.gov/ npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps]. Accessed April 2012.
References
Recommendation 3: Many Catawba River sub basins have had elevated Fecal Coliform Bacteria levels, which indicates contamination from animal or human waste. By separating results for E-Coli and enterococci, human sources of contamination can be identified leading to more targeted surveying and repair programs.
Recommendation 2: Adding inland recreational water monitoring data that is already collected to NC DENR’s Shellfish Sanitation and Recreational Water Quality program would be a low cost way to better track water contamination and notify the public of unsafe conditions.. Currently, this program only monitors coastal waters for contamination.
• Chesterfield County (VA) - private pumpers submit form to county, and county maintains database of tracking pumpout . Every 5 years county sends residents notification for pumpout requirement. If the owner does not comply the county contracts to have pumpout performed and can fine or back-charge to owner24.
• Albemarle Septic Management Entity – property owners pay a $50 annual fee for an auto-scheduled inspection and are notified if any problems are found23
• Nags Head Septic Health Initiative – low cost loans, partial rebates for pump costs, reimbursement for septic system inspections22
Recommendation 1: Financial Incentive/low cost loans WP-COG is implementing a septic system repair program that utilizes low cost loans for residents on fixed incomes. While it is being modeled after the effective Unifour Septic Tank Repair program21, it would benefit from implementing other strategies proven effective in other parts of North Carolina and other nearby states:
Education – Catawba County Public Health Department has a number of education services in place. However, knowledge of onsite septic tank management has not been shown to significantly improve personal practices.20
Improved Record Keeping – Already being implemented in Catawba County. New permits are electronically stored and GIS coordinates recorded.19
Recommendations
! Non%Point!Source!Pollu/on!from!Onsite!Waste!Water!Treatment!Systems! In!the!Catawba!River!Basin! Introduction North Carolina residents are dependent on onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic tanks) as a primary method of water treatment. It is estimated that 50% of North Carolinians are not connected to public wastewater treatment systems.1 According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), areas with a septic system density of greater than 40 systems per square mile are at the greatest risk for groundwater contamination.2 Groundwater discharge represents the majority of water that flows into North Carolina’s rivers, : with much precipitation lost due to evaporation and surface run off.3 Fifty two percent of North Carolinians depend on groundwater as their drinking water supply, so maintaining a clean water supply is of utmost importance.4
Background Wastewater (influent) enters a tank where solids settle and are digested by bacteria; septic tanks require periodic pumping to remove these solids. Liquid waste continues to the drain field where it percolates through the soil; bacterial action and filtration through the soil produce water free of harmful bacteria and contaminants, which then flows into the water table (effluent).
How do onsite waste water treatment systems work?5
?
Effluent enters ground or surface water without being treated 1. Effluent surfaces over drain field 2. Groundwater contamination 3. Well contamination 4. Seep to the surface 5. Overland flow and surface water contamination
Consequences of septic system failure:6
Figure 1: Properly working onsite wastewater system8
Figure 2: Malfunctioning onsite wastewater system9
Excessive water use - increase in household inhabitants over OWTS capacity Build up of solids in tank – due to improper disposal of solids (kitchen or household waste) or not pumping tank regularly Malfunctioning drain fields – due to solids entering pipes and clogging soil pores
Causes of failing septic systems:7 • •
•
What are the Risks of Nitrogen Contamination?
Normal groundwater levels of nitrate rarely surpass 0.1 milligram per liter (mg/L) as nitrate nitrogen (NO3 – N). Levels greater than 5mg/L indicate human, animal or fertilizer contamination. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set maximum contaminant level at 10mg/L. Levels higher than that are indicated in several health risks.10
!
Risks!to!human!health!11
Oxygen!deple9on! Decreased!water!clarity! Abnormal!pH!
Methemoglobinemia/!“blue2baby”! gastrointes9nal!illnesses! syndrome! bone/joint!disorders!! spontaneous!abor9on! high!produc9on!of!the!TNF2ß!cytokine! gastrointes9nal!and!esophageal! (can!cause!cell!death)! cancers!! Risk!to!waterways!12! Aqua9c!life!impact! Eutrophica9on! Algal!blooms!
Risks!to!water!treatment!facili/es!13! Economic!costs!to!!treat!wastewater!through!the!biochemical!processes!of! nitrifica9on!oxida9on!of!!NH4!–N!and!organic2nitrogen!to!NO3!–N!within!an!aerobic! zone)!and!denitrifica9on!(reduc9on!of!NO3!–N!to!gaseous!nitrogen!in!an!anoxic! environment)!
Non-Point Source Pollution from Onsite Waste Water Treatment Systems In the Catawba River Basin Christina Kliesch Lenoir Rhyne University Introduction: North Carolina residents are dependent on onsite wastewater treatment as a primary method of water treatment. Fifty percent of North Carolinians are not connected to public wastewater treatment systems. In addition, 52% of North Carolinians depend on groundwater as their drinking water supply. There is a great potential of Nitrogen contamination of ground water, due to septic systems. Nitrogen contamination can lead to a variety of human health risks, impairment of aquatic life, and significant costs to wastewater facilities. Methods: Data on septic system densities and usage are drawn on 1990 census data, the last year this data was collected. This is a significant limitation in this research project. My research consisted of a variety of sources. Interviews with Environmental Health professionals revealed the extent of the problem of septic system failures, past and future maintenance and repair programs, public health risks and historical and current record keeping methods. GIS maps published by the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service were reviewed to locate areas of high-density onsite wastewater treatment systems Catawba River Basin, and areas of high potential Nitrogen loading and Fecal Coliform Bacteria exceedances. Literature from Environmental Health Journals, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and several studies of North Carolina River Basins were reviewed to determine contamination risks, best practices of septic tank maintenance and education programs. Results: Catawba River basin has the highest septic system density of the North Carolina’s 17 river basins: 53 systems per square mile, which is far above the EPA’s recommendation of a maximum of 40 systems/mi2. Further increasing the risks of Nitrogen contamination is the high rate of failure of septic systems, which can be as high as 13% per year. Recommendations: Based on my research I make the following recommendations for improving the Catawba River Basin’s water quality: financial incentives & low cost loans for septic repair and maintenance, adding inland recreational water monitoring data to NC DENR’s database, and separating testing results for E-Coli and enterococci.
