Wastewater

Extension at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is actively involved in programming that helps homeowners, industry, and youth audiences understand onsite wastewater treatment systems for handling domestic sewage. Treatment of wastewater using onsite systems, such as septic tanks and drainfields, plays a very important role in protecting the water and environment of Nebraska and supporting economic development. As a result of Extension programming, Nebraskans benefit from improved water quality and a cleaner environment.

Friday June 19, 2026

North American Manure Expo 2026 at Wayne, NE Showcases Equipment Demonstrations from Pit/Lagoon to Field

The North American Manure Expo July 28-30 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wayne, NE continues to distinguish itself as one of the few events dedicated entirely to manure management, covering every step from the barn to field application. In addition to the trade show, tours, and educational sessions, a hallmark of this expo is its emphasis on live equipment demonstrations, giving producers and custom applicators the opportunity to evaluate machinery performance under real-world conditions before making purchasing decisions.

Wednesday June 17, 2026

What is the North American Manure Expo & Why Should I Attend?

The 2026 North American Manure Expo that is being planned for Wayne, NE on July 28 through 30 is a trade show and extension program all rolled into one. It includes tours the first day and two days of trade show that also includes live demonstrations and education sessions featuring the latest science and technology related to manure handling and application. Early bird pricing ends June 30, so get your tickets now!

Friday April 24, 2026

Build Confidence in Manure Management at North American Manure Expo Educational Sessions

Educational sessions at the North American Manure Expo on July 29-30 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds will focus on practical, research-backed information for manure applicators, livestock and crop producers, crop advisers, and ag professionals. Topics include sampling, soil health, precision application, edge-of-field practices, plastics, safety, and emerging innovations like sensing crops to determine additional nutrient needs and anaerobic digestion.

Thursday November 6, 2025

Well & Septic Owner’s Checklist

💧Inspect your wellhead and area around it in the spring and fall. Perform maintenance as necessary:

Friday September 5, 2025

Flushing Products Other Than Toilet Paper Can Cause Big Problems Down the Line

With SepticSmart Week 2025 coming up the week of September 15-19, there is no time like the present to have a “Flushing 101” review. Whether you live in a rural area and have your own personal onsite wastewater system or your house is connected to a municipal wastewater system, everyone needs to be conscious of what we flush down the toilet. Regardless of what type of wastewater system your home is hooked up to, minimizing solids in our wastewater will improve the overall system performance.

Monday June 16, 2025

Safety Matters: Cultivating a culture of safety

Farming is among the most hazardous industries, but adopting a strong culture of safety can significantly reduce risks and protect workers. In this article, Jason Oliver of Cornell University discusses how farms can implement consistent safety training and empower all workers to take responsibility for safe practices by drawing inspiration from high-reliability organizations like U.S. aircraft carriers. By addressing one hazard at a time and combining multiple controls when necessary, agricultural operations can enhance both safety and productivity while showing workers that their well-being matters.

Tuesday April 15, 2025

No Matter Where You Live, Submit a Request Before You Dig!

Spring is here and that often means its time start outdoor projects. Whether you are spading in new trees, putting in a koi pond or other excavated landscape features, drilling a new well, or installing a new onsite wastewater system, you want to make sure a ‘Locate Request’ has been submitted to Nebraska811 before digging.

Nebraska811 is the statewide one-call notification center, set up by Nebraska state law. It is the link between people who want to excavate and the underground facility owners/operators.

Wastewater Professional Training Opportunities

Training Opportunities 2020 Professional Development Hours Training ONLINE CLASSES APPROVED!

Domestic Sewage FAQs

I have a septic system. What maintenance does it need? One of the most important things you can do to keep the system functioning properly is to have the septic tank pumped regularly by a certified professional. Scum and/or sludge could build up and be carried to the drainfield if the tank is not pumped regularly. This will clog the drainfield and not allow wastewater to be treated. Wastewater may form a pond in the yard or back up into the house. At that point you are probably facing costly repairs or replacement instead of minimal maintenance expenses.

How does a septic system work?

A system typically has 3 parts: plumbing from the house, a septic tank, and an effluent treatment system.

Soil & Site Evaluation

The ability of soil to accept water or for water to travel through soil is called soil permeability. Percolation is the movement of water through soil. A soil percolation test is designed to measure the rate of water movement in saturated soil (mimicking conditions that soil treatment systems have) so that one can decide the appropriate type and size of treatment system.