KING COUNTY, WA - Public Health has scheduled free workshops around King County to help homeowners understand how septic systems work and how homeowners affect system effectiveness and longevity. The workshops, entitled "Septic Systems: A Homeowners Guide," will focus on what causes septic system failures, how to help avoid unnecessary failures (potentially saving homeonwners thousands of dollars), and what maintenance is necessary to keep a septic system healthy.

Workshops are scheduled on select Saturdays from noon until 4:00 PM at the following locations. Pre-registration is preferred in order to insure adequate seating and educational handouts. For more information or to register, call: (206) 296-3989 or e-mail the instructor: burleigh@wsu.edu.

Aug. 26, 2000:	Redmond Public Library, 15990 NE 85th St., Redmond
Sept. 2, 2000	Enumclaw City Library, 1700 First St., Enumclaw
Sept. 9, 2000	Maple Valley Firehall, 22225 SE 231st, Maple Valley
Sept. 16, 2000	Hopelink, 31957 E. Commercial Ave., Carnation
Sept. 23, 2000	Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah
Sept. 30, 2000	Highline School District Administration Building, 15675 Ambaum, SW, Burien

Participants will learn the research-based answers to frequently asked questions such as:

• How do I know when to have the tank pumped?
• How do household cleaners and my lifestyle affect the system?
• What household activities might be harmful to the system?
• Each attendee will receive a note-taking outline and a packet of informational handouts

The last 90 minutes of each workshop is optional and includes a discussion of pressure distribution and alternative systems such as mounds, sand filters, and aerobic treatment units. The advantages, applications and maintenance requirements of these systems will also be explained.

Real estate professionals may apply for 4 clock-hour credits from the Washington Association of Realtors. A $20 admin fee is required at the presentation. Additional realtor education courses can be found by calling Melanie Ransom at (360) 786-5445, x7911 or by visiting the WSU Cooperative Extension website at: http://thurston.wsu.edu/.

"Septic Systems: A Homeowners Guide" is presented by Washington State University Cooperative Extension in partnership with Public Health - Seattle & King County and participating Unincorporated Area Councils.

The program is produced through funding from the Public Involvement and Education Project, financed by proceeds from the Washington State Water Quality Account and administered by the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team.