Response
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County, through its Skaneateles Lake Education Program, implemented a targeted outreach initiative in 2025 to encourage homeowners to maintain and upgrade aging septic systems. In partnership with the City of Syracuse, the program mailed educational materials to 895 property owners with septic systems older than 30 years. The outreach encouraged residents to evaluate, maintain or replace their systems and included CCE Onondaga’s “Homeowners Guide to Septic System Management” brochure. The publication explained septic system components, common causes of failure, environmental impacts and an inspection checklist.
An educational program held Aug. 21 in Skaneateles brought together 35 residents to learn about septic system maintenance, emerging technologies and the New York State Septic System Replacement Fund Program. Presenters from Syracuse University’s Environmental Finance Center, the New York Onsite Wastewater Treatment Training Network and the Onondaga County Department of Environmental Health provided technical guidance and local resources.
Results
Program evaluations demonstrated increased participant knowledge and awareness. All respondents reported learning new information, and 92% indicated the program was useful. One property owner shared that after attending the program, they located their septic system and arranged for it to be pumped out. This action reflects increased homeowner engagement in preventative maintenance practices that can reduce nutrient loading and lower the risk of future septic system failures.
Public Value
By providing homeowners in Onondaga County with practical education, technical resources and information about financial assistance programs, Cornell Cooperative Extension helps protect drinking water quality for Central New York communities. Improved septic system maintenance reduces phosphorus inputs, lowers the risk of harmful algal blooms and supports the long-term health of Skaneateles Lake.
