Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District will kick off a new Backyard Botetourt series on January 28 with a program on septic system maintenance.
Large amounts of rainfall can be a contributing factor in septic system failures as drain fields get inundated with 
water. Lack of proper maintenance is also a concern, since many homeowners give little thought to their septic system until it stops working. Septic system repair or replacement can cost thousands of dollars, so routine maintenance makes financial sense.
The “secret” to maintaining a healthy septic system is being aware of what does (or doesn’t) go down the drain. Grease, food waste, and coffee grounds should always be composted or put in the trash. Use a sink strainer to catch food bits. Never use toilets as trash receptacles. By using low-flow toilets and shower heads, the volume of waste a septic system must process is decreased significantly. Septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years, more frequently if a garbage disposal is used.
Mountain Castles SWCD has a new cost-share program to assist home-owners with pump outs and repairs in the southern part of Botetourt County. Qualified homeowners can receive a reimbursement of 50-80% on approved septic work. Contact the office at (540) 400-0707 or visit https://www.mountaincastles.org/ for more information.
The Backyard Botetourt series is a free monthly program co-sponsored by MCSWCD and Valley Conservation Council which meets the fourth Monday of the month at the Fincastle Library at 7 p.m. Upcoming topics include “Tracks & Tracking,” “Wild about Mushrooms,” and “Butterfly & Bee Fair.”