Be Septic Safe: Nature Called & Clemson Extension Answered With Various Outreach Programs To Educate Citizens On Taking Care Of Business And keeping Their Septic Systems Flowing
Extension Education
Susan Lunt
Water Resources Extension Associate
United States
Pendleton
Abstract
Clemson Cooperative Extension (CCE) has employed varied innovative outreach methods as a strategy to educate the citizens of South Carolina (SC) on septic systems for the health and wellness of individuals and our environment. A residence is not only four walls and a roof, it also must contain a sewer or septic system. Many communities in SC rely solely on septic systems regardless of socio-economic demographics and every user needs knowledge of how to properly operate and maintain their septic system to keep you, your family, our community, and our environment healthy. Be Septic Safe is a CCE program created to help provide septic system users with a resource for all things septic-related. Bacteria is the top pollutant for SC waterways, with approximately 350 current impairments. Septic Systems that are not operating as designed and/or improperly maintained may fail and leak which can contribute to harmful bacteria entering our watershed and contributing to these impairments, making septic systems an essential target for water quality education. Waterbodies affected by bacteria pollution may be unsafe for swimming, fishing, harvesting shellfish, or supplying drinking water. CCE has developed virtual webinars, in-person presentations, a FAQ-style website, videos, factsheets, magnets, a variety of promotional items, a user’s guide, and a mass media campaign as part of its Be Septic Safe program. These resources provide education and outreach about different types of septic systems, state regulations, proper maintenance, and how to survive when unique situations arise. These resources raise awareness in our communities of proper septic system maintenance and care, ultimately helping to better protect the well-being of our states’ citizens and waterways against bacteria pollution. CCE has successfully used these resources in conjunction with community engagement programs to positively impact the citizens of SC. The poster summarizes the Be Septic Safe program impacts from the different ongoing education and outreach methods; over 56,000 individuals have been reached: 62% HGIC Factsheets, 24% Website & Youtube, 7% promotional items, 5% printed materials, and 2% presentations. In addition, the one-time mass media campaign reached over 13 million through the billboard and almost 2 million through the commercial.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Susan Lunt, Charly Greenthaler
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Lunt, S. Water Resources Extension Associate, Clemson Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29670
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Greenthaler, C. Area Water Resources Agent, Clemson Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29072