What Is a Cluster System?

According to U.S. EPA: "A cluster (or community) decentralized wastewater treatment system is under some form of common ownership and collects wastewater from two or more dwellings or buildings. It conveys the wastewater to a treatment and dispersal system located on a suitable site near the dwellings or buildings. It is common to find cluster systems in places like rural subdivisions."

Image from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Cluster systems transport wastewater from a small number of homes (typically 2-10) via alternative sewers to either a conventional treatment plant or to a pretreatment facility followed by soil absorption of the effluent. Cluster systems can be financially sound, environmentally friendly solutions for small community wastewater problems, where conventional central treatment systems are not practical or affordable and where individual onsite systems are inappropriate because of site or soil limitations. 

The advantages of cluster systems are the lower average cost, flexibility in land use, less complex operation and maintenance for the community, and non-discharging, decentralized wastewater treatment systems can provide an environmentally sound alternative for small or disadvantaged communities.

The main disadvantage of cluster systems is the amount of operation and maintenance needed. While it is typically not complicated, alternative sewers have septic tanks that need to be inspected and pumped and mechanical parts and controls that use electricity. Since cluster systems are located onsite, workers are required to travel to individual homes or businesses. This type of decentralized wastewater system requires more frequent maintenance, which can be costly if anything is malfunctioning. 

Another key thing to keep in mind is that cluster systems require a somewhat complex organizational structure in order to make community decisions like fee collection and continuing education of homeowners about wastewater issues. The cooperation of homeowners using the cluster system is much more important than with municipal systems since smaller systems are less resilient and less tolerant of periodic large flows or larger than normal loadings of household chemicals than in large systems, where these peaks are averaged out over a very large user base.

Lead and Copper Pipe Replacement

Lead and copper enter drinking water primarily through plumbing materials. Exposure to lead and copper may cause health problems ranging from stomach distress to brain damage. The treatment technique for lead and copper requires systems to monitor drinking water at customer taps. If the action level for lead is exceeded, the system must also inform the public about steps they should take to protect their health and may have to replace lead service lines under their control.

We have 521 resources (and counting) on Lead and Copper in our Documents Database that provide valuable information on this topic. You can search for documents on how to collaborate with organizations to replace lead service lines (LSLs), case studies that analyze LSLs in small community water systems, how to reduce lead in drinking water in schools and childcare facilities, how to address lead in drinking water with the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), and many other useful guides that will help you to deliver safe and clean water to utility customers. 

To access the wealth of knowledge on Lead and Copper within our database just select "CATEGORY" in the dropdown then choose "Lead and Copper." Once you make that selection, a second dropdown will appear where you can choose "HOST," “TYPE,” or “STATE” to narrow the search even further. If you have a specific search term in mind, use the “Keyword Filter” search bar on the right side of the screen.

This is part of our A-Z for Operators series.

Technology and Innovation in the Water Sector

Innovative water treatment technologies refer to advanced and unconventional methods explored to purify and manage water resources. These solutions often leverage cutting-edge technologies and scientific advancements to address water management challenges including emerging contaminants, water scarcity, energy efficiency, resource recovery, decarbonization, etc. These technologies are often still being researched and benchmarked through laboratory or pilot-scale studies. 

We have 364 resources (and counting) on Innovative Water Technologies in our Documents Database that provide valuable information on this topic. You can search for documents about identifying water system leaks with the help of dogs, alternative water resources as we face degrading water quality and supply, treatment options for taste-and-odor problems, approaches to drinking water technology approval, and many other useful guides that will help you to deliver safe and clean water to utility customers. 

To access the wealth of knowledge on Innovative Water Technologies within our database just select "CATEGORY" in the dropdown then choose "Innovative Water Technologies." Once you make that selection, a second dropdown will appear where you can choose "HOST," “TYPE,” or “STATE” to narrow the search even further. If you have a specific search term in mind, use the “Keyword Filter” search bar on the right side of the screen.

This is part of our A-Z for Operators series.

Winter Maintenance for Septic Tanks

In the winter months, septic tanks are vulnerable to damages caused by lower temperatures and excessive snow. The biggest concerns being snow build up and lack of protection from cold temperatures. If your septic tank is located in an area where vehicles can drive over it, watch out for compacted snow that can push it deeper into the system. Fluid that lingers in poorly installed or deteriorating pipes, plumbing leaks, and long periods without using your septic system can all cause it to freeze. 

Your septic system may suffer damages if you do not provide adequate cover like an insulating cover/ blanket. These will help to trap heat inside the system and prevent it from freezing inside. Other ways to help prevent your septic system from freezing are to regularly pump your system (every 3-5 years) before winter, don't dispose of inappropriate waste down toilets or drains, use insulated pipes, and remove trees or plants with strong root systems from on top of your septic system to prevent root interference with the system.

Things to keep in mind when working in extreme cold:

• Wind Speed: high wind speeds can create a wind chill effect which makes it feel a lot colder than the reported temperature states.
• Humidity: humidity will cause heat to be conducted from the body much faster than if you are working in dry air. 
• Hypothermia: without proper protection, hypothermia can become a concern when the air temperature drops below -23 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Frostbite: exposed skin can freeze in 5-10 minutes when temperatures reach -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ice & Snow: ice can freeze your equipment and the weight of snow can collapse structures you may be working in or under.

Always bring extra clothing and try to find a place to warm up when working in extremely frigid conditions. Be sure to remove excess snow from work areas and store your equipment under tarps or in heated areas.

Groundwater Rule Compliance

The groundwater rule is to reduce disease incidence associated with disease-causing microorganisms in drinking water. The rule establishes a risk-based approach to target groundwater systems that are vulnerable to fecal contamination. Groundwater systems that are identified as being at risk of fecal contamination must take corrective action to reduce potential illness from exposure to microbial pathogens. The rule applies to all systems that use ground water as a source of drinking water. 

We have 488 resources (and counting) on Groundwater in our Documents Database that provide valuable information on this topic. You can search for resources on the Ground Water Rule (GWR), public water well maintenance and use, compliance monitoring for GWSs, effective well maintenance and procedures, and many other useful guides that will help ensure our groundwater stays safe and clean for generations to come. 

To access the wealth of knowledge on Groundwater within our database just select "CATEGORY" in the dropdown then choose "Groundwater." Once you make that selection, a second dropdown will appear where you can choose "HOST," “TYPE,” or “STATE” to narrow the search even further. If you have a specific search term in mind, use the “Keyword Filter” search bar on the right side of the screen.

This is part of our A-Z for Operators series.

Developing a Septic System Owner's Guide

The Community Septic Owner's Guide online tool is designed to develop an Owner's Guide for everything from a single-family home, a commercial property, or even a cluster system serving 50+ homes. It was funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and created by the University of Minnesota. Some key things to keep in mind about this tool are:

• You will need to register if you are using the tool for the first time
• It contains generic stock/boiler plate general information, system component descriptions and images, and operations and maintenance (O&M) recommendations
• It allows you to upload site specific descriptions, images, and O&M recommendations
• It will produce a PDF guide for your home or structure to be used electronically or printed out
• It allows you to start and stop a project during the process and update it years later when things change
• It does NOT cover every scenario that exists across the US, but the creators of the tool hope it covers a vast majority of them

Financial Management for Small Water Utilities

Many small public water systems lack organized finances, with little to no budgeting or accounting, no long-term financial planning, and customer rates that are not adequate to cover expenses. Many small systems also need expensive repairs or upgrades that would be difficult to afford even if they had impeccable book-keeping. In recognition of this, the federal government and many national organizations provide small systems with resources to organize and improve their finances, as well as grants to help fund major projects.

We have 1712 resources (and counting) on Financial Management in our Documents Database that provide valuable information on this topic. You can search for documents on funding opportunities to build system resiliency, building a financially healthy water system, how to use the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to mitigate the impact of drought on drinking water systems or to address DBPs in drinking water, and many other useful guides that will help you to deliver safe and clean water to utility customers. 

To access the wealth of knowledge on Financial Management within our database just select "CATEGORY" in the dropdown then choose "Financial Management." Once you make that selection, a second dropdown will appear where you can choose "HOST," “TYPE,” or “STATE” to narrow the search even further. If you have a specific search term in mind, use the “Keyword Filter” search bar on the right side of the screen.

This is part of our A-Z for Operators series.

Drinking Water Standards: Rules, Regulations, Compliance

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards that, when combined with protecting ground water and surface water, are critical to ensuring safe drinking water. U.S. EPA works with its regional offices, states, tribes and its many partners to protect public health through implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act. The standards are the levels of a particular contaminant that are allowed in drinking water and still considered safe.

We have 1482 resources (and counting) on Drinking Water Standards in our Documents Database that provide valuable information on this topic. You can search for resources like an overview of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), information on how U.S. EPA develops risk-based drinking water regulations, a comprehensive list of potential contaminants in water, and many other useful guides that will help you to deliver safe and clean water to utility customers. 

To access the wealth of knowledge on Drinking Water Standards within our database just select "CATEGORY" in the dropdown then choose "Drinking Water Standards." Once you make that selection, a second dropdown will appear where you can choose "HOST," “TYPE,” or “STATE” to narrow the search even further. If you have a specific search term in mind, use the “Keyword Filter” search bar on the right side of the screen.

This is part of our A-Z for Operators series.

Onsite Wastewater Challenges | Onsite Overview #5

Using and maintaining decentralized wastewater treatment systems comes with its own unique challenges. Luckily, there are plenty of resources online that can assist in the troubleshooting process for any issues that arise. We have compiled a list of resources to get you started if you are interested in learning more about the challenges that accompany maintaining an onsite wastewater treatment system.

Our best resources on this topic:

Looking Back & Moving Forward | National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
This 29-slide presentation from NOWRA's 2022 Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference provides a brief history of the application of decentralized onsite systems in rural America and highlights the challenges these legacy systems are currently facing. The presentation also details the water shortage challenges experienced across the country and highlights the need for better wastewater management to reduce the impact on our dwindling aquifers.

Using Nationwide and Local Data Sources to Address Decentralized Wastewater Infrastructure Challenges in the Contiguous U.S. and the Caribbean | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This 1-hour, 6-minute webinar recording explores solutions to data gaps on both national and local levels. In Puerto Rico, natural disasters including hurricanes, tropical storms, and earthquakes have accelerated the need to establish baseline information on septic systems. EPA, through the Caribbean Septic Systems Workgroup, is leading these efforts to assist state and local departments gather data to support planning and access funds to help residents.

Design Challenges with Liquid Effluent Collection | National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
This 21-page presentation from NOWRA's 2023 Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference describes the advantages and disadvantages of using a Septic Tank Effluent Pump system (vs. a gravity system) for the transport of onsite wastewater to multiple tanks for disposal. 

Innovative Approaches to Address Decentralized Wastewater Infrastructure in the Alabama Black Belt | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This 2-hour, 2-minute webinar explores proposed solutions for the technological, regulatory, and management challenges of adequate decentralized wastewater management in the Black Belt, as well as progress made on current funding initiatives. The intended audiences for this webinar include decentralized and wastewater industry practitioners, engineers, public health agencies and practitioners, academia, government and municipalities, community and nonprofit organizations, and environmental justice advocates.

OSTDS Design & Install Challenges | National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
This 164-page presentation from NOWRA's 2023 Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference focuses on Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) and Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) Drainfield, as well as Performance Based Treatment System (PBTS) OSTDS and Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) Drainfield. The use of these systems is shown with examples of sites that are very small for the size of the home or business, increased wastewater flow, soil conditions or other conditions that are not suitable for a typical treatment system.

How to find more resources on this topic on our website?
If you are interested in looking through our database for the other resources on this topic follow the instructions below:

1. Select "CATEGORY" in the dropdown then choose "Decentralized WW Systems." 
2. Once you make that selection, a second dropdown will appear where you can choose "TYPE" if you are looking for a specific kind of resource (videos, factsheets, etc.)
3. Optional: In the Keyword Filter, you can type a specific word or phrase to target the search even further.
4. The last step is to click the "Retrieve Documents" button to see your results.  

Distribution System Compliance & Best Practices

Water distribution systems are large networks of storage tanks, valves, pumps, and pipes that transport finished water to consumers’ homes and businesses. Due to their design, water distribution systems include areas of vulnerability where contamination can occur.

We have 1188 resources (and counting) on Distribution Systems in our Documents Database that provide valuable information on this topic. You can search for documents about corrosion and corrosion control, calculate the average annual water loss that has affected your system, how to develop and maintain a service line inventory to comply with the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), webinars on distribution system best practices, how to enhance security monitoring for water distribution system facilities that are at risk of intentional contamination, and many other useful guides that will help you to deliver safe and clean water to utility customers. 

To access the wealth of knowledge on Distribution Systems within our database just select "CATEGORY" in the dropdown then choose "Distribution Systems." Once you make that selection, a second dropdown will appear where you can choose "HOST," “TYPE,” or “STATE” to narrow the search even further. If you have a specific search term in mind, use the “Keyword Filter” search bar on the right side of the screen.

This is part of our A-Z for Operators series.