This presentation will focus on a study funded by the Water Research Foundation evaluating water use from over 23 utilities and over 1,000 homes showing a 23% reduction in water use since 1999. The primary sources for the reducation will be discussed along with implications with increased concentrations. Septic system design and operation considerations will be highlighted.

Dr. Sara Heger is an engineer, researcher and instructor at the University of Minnesota in the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program in the Water Resources Center and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering Department.For over 20 years, she has been conducting research and providing education and technical assistance to homeowners, small communities, onsite professionals and local units of government regarding onsite wastewater treatment. She has presented in over 30 different states and provenances in in North America regarding the science of wastewater treatment including design, installation and management. Sara is the president elect of the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association and the education chair of the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association. Sara serves on the NSF International Committee on Wastewater Treatment Systems. She is also the chair of the Minnesota State Advisory Committee on Decentralized Systems. She has BS in Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering and a MS and a PhD in Water Resource Science.