Q7 Update - septic system education

In June, we approved two more projects as part of our Lake Monroe Watershed Conservation Cost-Share Program.  One project is for forest trail improvement and the other is for fencing livestock out of a stream.  Three of our twelve approved projects have been completed and the remaining nine are moving forward as the weather and the busy summer schedules of our farmers allows.  We are applying for another 319 grant which would provide funding for 2026-2028 and continue to accept applications to add to our waitlist.

Our focus this summer has been on septic system maintenance education.  Do you know how to care for your septic system?  Check out our new septic maintenance educational brochure which is being mailed to residents throughout the watershed.  In Monroe County, FLM secured funding from the Monroe County Stormwater Board to run a septic maintenance voucher program (www.friendsoflakemonroe.org/septic).  This program allowed residents in the Monroe County portion of the Lake Monroe watershed to request a voucher.  The vouchers provide reimbursement for half the cost of septic pumping up to $100. We issued 96 vouchers and have reimbursed 74 septic pumping events so far. 

We also held a “Septic System 101” workshop on June 20.  Many thanks to Shian'ah Cox from the Monroe County Health Department for giving an excellent presentation and fielding questions from our 14 enthusiastic participants.  Remember, pump your tank every 3-5 years and only flush the 3 P's.

“Well, I never thought we'd be attending on workshop on the three p’s (poo and pee and toilet paper) but we are glad we did.  We gotta keep this stuff out of our lake, and we certainly learned how at the workshop put on by Maggie, the watershed coordinator, and friends. Thanks for an edible p.  Pizza! It was great!” - Kevin and Anne Clark

In September, we will co-host Septic Summit 2.0 on September 15 at the Brown County Fairgrounds.  This free educational event will include an equipment show, informational booths about septic maintenance, a panel discussion of the best ways to keep your septic system in good shape, and door prizes.  In October, we will have a booth at the Houston Fall Festival on October 12 to share information about septic system maintenance.  Come say hi!