National Health Outreach and Engagement Conference 2024

Lunt, S, and Greenthaler, C.
Clemson Cooperative Extension 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 protect
and maintain their system to protect human and environmental health. Be Septic Safe is a
Clemson Extension 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. Failing and leaking septic systems are one of the sources that can
contribute to these impairments, making it an essential target for water quality education. We
have developed a FAQ-style website, webinars, videos, a user’s guide, factsheets, magnets, and
a variety of other promo items. 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. Clemson extension has successfully used these
resources in conjunction with community engagement programs to positively impact the
citizens of SC. Examples of community engagement programs including data will be presented.