Wastewater Educational Materials

Know how. Know now.

The University of Nebraska Extension is committed to meeting Nebraskans' information and education needs in a timely and efficient manner. We make the information you need or want available on demand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through a series of onsite wastewater treatment publications. Publications will provide you with know how on all the topics below. All are available at local Extension offices throughout the state, or are ready for download right here on our site.*

* Download current version of the free Acrobat Reader for reading or printing these .pdf format documents. NebGuides are 2-4 pages in length unless otherwise noted.

University of Nebraska Extension Publications

Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment Series:

The Role of Soil
Discusses how soil can affect onsite wastewater treatment systems.
PDF version* (724 KB)

Site Evaluation
Discusses evaluation of a site to determine the type and size of treatment system best suited to it.
PDF version* (843 KB)

Conducting a Soil Percolation Test
Discusses the importance of and recommended methods for conducting a soil percolation test.
PDF version* (1007 KB)

Lagoon Design and Construction
Discusses recommended practices for the design and construction of lagoon systems for treatment of residential wastewater.
PDF version* (95 KB)

Lagoon Maintenance
Discusses recommended practices for the operation and management of residential on-site lagoon wastewater treatment systems.
PDF version* (772 KB)

Septic Tank Design and Installation
Describes types of septic tanks, selecting the correct tank size, placement and installation.
PDF version* (279 KB)

Drainfield Systems:

Traditional Drainfield Systems for Effluent Treatment
Discusses recommended practices for the design and installation of traditional residential on-site effluent treatment systems.
PDF version* (227 KB)

Gravelless Drainfield Systems for Effluent Treatment
Discusses recommended practices for the design and installation of residential on-site gravelless effluent treatment systems.
PDF version* (124 KB)

Septic System and Drainfield Maintenance
Discusses recommended practices for the operation and management of residential on-site septic systems for wastewater treatment.
PDF version* (824 KB)

Alternative Systems:

Constructed Wetlands for Effluent Treatment
Recommended practices for the design and installation of a constructed wetland as part of a residential onsite wastewater treatment system.
PDF version* (269 KB)

Mounds for Effluent Treatment
A mound wastewater treatment system may be right for lots that have slowly permeable soils, sandy soils, or a high water table. Learn the advantages, disadvantages and maintenance considerations of a mound system.
PDF version* (262 KB)

Septic System Maintenance: Nebraska Homeowner's Guide
Custom-designed file folder to store septic system records; includes graph space for system plan; maintenance record, forms to record system specifications and pockets to store related information. Full-color copies are available by mail for $1.00 plus postage and handling from your Extension office: Order Form (Request EC 775)