Septic Tank Remediation Program (STRP)
STRP Program Description
In support of our mission to improve the ecological integrity of the watershed, the IRWP Septic Tank Remediation Program was initiated to improve water quality by assisting homeowners in the watershed with having these failing systems replaced or repaired.
Many residents of Northwest Arkansas use onsite septic systems for their wastewater treatment at home. The nature of the geology and soils in our area is such that the region is particularly vulnerable when these systems are damaged or become ineffective, and failing septic is one of the contributing factors to contamination of the impaired waterbodies within the Illinois River Watershed.
If your septic system is backing up into your home or flooding your yard - it may be failing!
Program Requirements
The home is serviced by a single-residence onsite wastewater (septic) system.
The home is located within the Illinois River Watershed*.
If unsure, use the Find Your Watershed tool provided by the University of Arkansas CAST center to confirm (look for the 8-Digit HUC name).
The existing septic system is designated as failing by the Arkansas Department of Health local county health unit.
*Not in the Illinois River Watershed?
If your property is located in the Beaver Reservoir or the Buffalo Watershed, there is a similar septic remediation program available!
Dealing with a septic failure and not sure where to start?
Please complete this Pre-Application Form to be contacted by an IRWP associate to review eligibility and discuss the program.
Call our office at 479-203-7084.
Email us at septic@irwp.org
Unsure on how to acquire a septic permit or the costs associated?
A plain-English guide to septic permitting in Northwest Arkansas: the permit process, county health unit requirements, setbacks, and typical costs for Washington and Benton County homeowners.
STRP for Septic Installers & Professionals
Are you interested in bidding on septic tank repair or replacement projects in Benton and Washington County through this program? To qualify for bidding, installers must hold an active Advanced Installer’s License issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, relevant to the type of septic system they intend to install.
New vendors are invited to submit a statement of qualifications to be considered for inclusion in our vendor list.
Please email your qualifications to septic@irwp.org.
If you are a septic designer or installer in our service area, this 20 minute webinar will help you understand the process for getting homeowners aid to repair/replace a failing septic system through the STRP Program.
Septic System Maintenance
An ecosystem of living organisms is critical to the proper functioning of a septic tank. Bacteria and enzymes convert much of the waste into gases and liquids providing the first level of treatment as effluent is pushed out to the drainfield. A system’s performance is largely affected by what materials are put in it, so that these microbes remain viable and the system continues to flow freely. A good rule of thumb is to not allow anything down the drain than can just as easily be put in the trash.
The average lifespan of a septic system is 15 to 40 years, but it can last longer if properly maintained!
Have Questions?
IRWP Has Answers.
septic@irwp.org
479-203-7084 (Office)
