Homeowners are invited to a free workshop to learn how to maintain their septic systems and troubleshoot problems. The workshop will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. May 8 in the Spanaway Elementary School cafeteria, 412 165th St. S in Spanaway.

“The workshop will help homeowners better understand their septic systems, how they can protect their investment and how to avoid costly repairs by doing regular maintenance,” said Harold Smelt, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities surface water manager.

The workshop will feature troubleshooting tips from a septic professional, permitting guidelines from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, and information about the Pierce County septic system repair grant and loan program.

The workshop will include a raffle for prizes donated by local septic system professionals. Register online at www.piercecountywa.org/SpanLkRTG, via email atpcwater@co.pierce.wa.us, or by calling 253-798-2725.

The workshop is presented by Pierce County, in partnership with the Washington On-Site Sewage Association and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. This workshop is being offered as part of the Spanaway Creek Raise the Grade program. This program is working to identify ways to improve water quality in Spanaway Creek. By properly maintaining septic systems, Spanaway Lake area residents can protect the value of their property, recreation on the lake, and water quality downstream for people and fish.

By and large, homes in Bonney Lake and Sumner are hooked to the cities’ sewer systems. Properties in Bonney Lake’s Eastown area are subject to a septic exception until sewer is built, and homes north of Bonney Lake in the Lake Tapps region are outside the reach of incorporated cities’ sewer systems.