Rebates available for pumping, inspection of residential septic systems

FALLBROOK – Rebates worth $200 are available to residents in the San Diego County portion of the Rainbow Creek watershed.

This program provides homeowners and property managers with a rebate for the pumping and inspection of residential septic systems.

Rebates are limited and one rebate will be given to each qualifying participant (as long as supplies last, limited to one per household) after the participant’s septic system has been inspected by an approved septic tank pumper. Read the rules for the rebate program for more details. For a list of approved septic tank pumpers, additional information and to sign up for the program, visit www.missionrcd.org/rainbowrebates.

Properties within the San Diego County portion of the Rainbow Creek Watershed are eligible for the program, which is sponsored by Mission Resource Conservation District and the County of San Diego. Rainbow Creek begins east of Rainbow Valley, in the surrounding hills, and flows west, under the Interstate 15 freeway, through the northern region of Fallbrook to the Santa Margarita River.

It is important to frequently inspect and pump the septic tank and system to guard against septic system failure. Failed septic systems not only cause an unpleasant mess (sewage can back into the house), it can also be costly to correct the problem. Preventative measures, such as properly caring for the system and knowing what not to put into the system, can save the homeowner a lot of time, energy and money!

Guidelines for maintaining a healthy septic system are discussed in detail in the on-line Septic System Rebate Program website. A few tips found on the website also include avoiding overloading the system with water during a short period of time, preventing non-biodegradable solids (such as disposable diapers, coffee grounds and cigarette butts) from entering the septic tank and limiting the amount of fats and oils that enter the septic system. The website also specifies how often a septic system should be inspected and pumped based on how many bedrooms are in the house and how many people live in the residence.

For additional program information, or to see if a property is within the Rainbow Creek Watershed, please contact Bethany Principe at (760) 728-1332 or email [email protected]. To sign up for the Septic System Rebate Program, go to www.missionrcd.org/rainbowrebates. The rebates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so act quickly before they run out!