This is an exciting week for Tap Talk: Our newest episode is our first fully dedicated to decentralized wastewater and septic systems! Steve and Jennifer welcome Dr. Sara Heger, an industry expert, researcher, and trainer from the University of Minnesota’s Onsite Sewage Treatment Program. Whether you’re a water professional or a homeowner with a septic system, listen for an introduction to the recent progress, needs, and issues in the decentralized wastewater industry.
Topics Discussed
- Meet Sara Heger | LinkedIn
- Sara’s Water Heroes:
- Her father, a farmer who cared for his land sustainably and encouraged her to be an engineer
- Lori Frekot, a former coworker and mentor at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- What is NOWRA?
- How much does the typical homeowner know about their septic system? What do they need to know?
- Are septic professionals getting the training they need as systems get more advanced?
- Safety issues posed by more modern designs of septic systems
- The movement for regulation requiring double lids
- The variability of regulations for septic systems in different states as well as training requirements for professionals
- Where is the industry heading?
- NOWRA’s Homeowner Training Materials
- Connect with the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center & Onsite Sewage Treatment Program
- Connect with the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
“The operation of a septic system starts with what you put down the drain. You really can negatively impact your system and potentially the environment.”
Sara Heger
Go Further
You’re invited to discuss the episode in our LinkedIn Group. If you decide to share on Twitter, please use the hashtag #TapTalkPodcast. And, of course, make sure to subscribe in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
About the Guest
Dr. Sara Heger is a researcher and instructor at the University of Minnesota in the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program in the Water Resources Center. She conducts research and provides education & technical assistance to homeowners, small communities, onsite professionals, and local units of government regarding decentralized wastewater treatment. She also coordinates the research program at the university focusing on issues related to decentralized wastewater, chlorides, and milk house process water. Sara has served as president of the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, on the NSF International Committee on Wastewater Treatment Systems, and Minnesota’s SSTS Advisory Committee. She has a BS in Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering as well as a MS and PhD in Water Resource Science, all from the University of Minnesota.