Septic Systems & Property Management

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Septic Systems

Regular cleaning of your septic system (every 3-5 years) can help prevent your septic tank from getting full and causing sewage to back up into your basement or leach into Cedar Lake. A cleaning typically costs $250-$350, depending on the size of your tank.
Inspections reveal if your septic system has been damaged by tree roots or is not Title 5 compliant (more likely in an older septic system) and needs to be replaced. Inspections typically cost $350 +/- or ask your pump-out person to inspect the tank.
A few simple steps will prevent gunk from forming along your drainage pipes and clogging the drain field, damaging the lake and requiring costly repairs.
- - - Don’t pour chemicals or grease down the drain.
    - Don’t use cleaning products with chlorine. Never flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper. Minimize garbage disposal use.
    - Use earth-friendly cleaners to help minimize the disruption to the bacteria in the septic tank. The bacteria break down the solids in the tank.

Sediments from runoff and eroding pond banks can smother aquatic life, clog fish gills, and cut off the light needed by underwater plants. Trees, low bushes, and a secure groundcover of native species help absorb runoff and protect the banks from erosion. They also make great habitats for fish, turtles, and frogs and help regulate water temperatures by providing shade.
Do not remove trees, shrubs, brush, and other vegetation within the 100-ft freshwater wetland jurisdiction line without a permit from the Conservation Commission. For more guidance on where your setback is, call the Falmouth Conservation Office at 508-495-7445.
Reduce the amount of lawn at the water’s edge and plant native plants instead.

Many docks and piers are constructed with pressure-treated wood. The toxic materials used to help the wood last longer in the marine environment leach out slowly over time, killing marine plants and animals. For advice on new structures, repairs, or replacements, see this document from the Lake Sunapee Watershed group.
Before building docks, walls, and other structures at the edge of the pond, make sure you are abiding by town guidelines. Check with the Falmouth Conservation Office at 508-495-7445.

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