Owning a Cresco home with a private well and septic system means your water quality and wastewater care are in your hands. You want safe drinking water, reliable drains, and no surprise repairs. This seasonal calendar gives you clear steps for testing your well, servicing your septic, and following Barrett Township rules so you can protect your home and budget. Let’s dive in.
Know local rules first
Barrett Township administers on-lot septic systems for Cresco. The township’s Sewage Management Program ordinance sets permit, inspection, pumping, and disposal requirements, and it authorizes the Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) to enforce them. Pennsylvania’s Act 537 program requires municipalities to run these programs, so you must follow township rules along with general best practices. Hire permitted pumper/haulers, dispose of septage at DEP-approved facilities, and keep your pump and inspection receipts.
Annual must-do checklist
Your private well
- Test your well at least once a year for total coliform bacteria or E. coli and nitrate. It is also smart to check pH and total dissolved solids. See the CDC guidelines for testing private well water.
- Add broader testing every 3 to 5 years for metals and other contaminants based on nearby land use and geology.
- Test sooner after flooding, well repairs, water taste or odor changes, or if anyone in the home has gastrointestinal illness.
- Use a state-certified lab for confirmatory tests, and watch for Penn State Extension well testing workshops in Monroe County.
- Keep all lab reports in a home systems folder.
Your septic system
- Schedule a professional inspection every 1 to 3 years. Systems with pumps or other mechanical parts should be checked annually. Review the EPA guidance on septic inspection and pumping.
- Pump your tank every 3 to 5 years, depending on household size, tank capacity, and how much you use a garbage disposal.
- Follow Barrett Township requirements, and keep all receipts and permits on file.
Season-by-season calendar
Spring
- Run your annual well test for coliform and nitrate after snowmelt and any flooding.
- Walk the property to inspect the wellhead and cap. Clear vegetation, and keep surface runoff away from the well. Review DCNR groundwater and wellhead basics.
- Book a septic inspection or pump if due. Check for soggy spots over the drainfield and divert roof and yard runoff away from it.
Summer
- If construction, farming, or heavy outdoor activity is nearby, consider extra testing for site-specific risks. Keep chemicals and fertilizers away from the well area.
- Avoid parking vehicles or storing materials over the drainfield. Spread out laundry and high-water-use tasks.
Fall
- Insulate any exposed well piping before freezing weather. Retest water if summer activities suggested higher risk.
- Complete any septic repairs flagged earlier in the year. If your tank is nearing pump levels, do it before deep winter.
Winter
- Protect above-ground piping and pressure components from freezing. Keep the well cap secure and clear of ice buildup.
- Do not drive or park over the drainfield. Minimal snow cover can insulate the system, but heavy loads can crush pipes.
What not to do
- Do not flush wipes, feminine products, diapers, cotton swabs, or plastics.
- Do not pour grease, oil, paints, gasoline, solvents, pesticides, or harsh drain cleaners down drains.
- Avoid sending water softener backwash, hot-tub or pool water, or chlorinated filter backwash into the septic system.
- For a clear homeowner guide, review EPA SepticSmart do's and don'ts.
Watch for warning signs
- Slow drains, gurgling toilets, or sewage odors around the tank or drainfield signal trouble.
- Surfacing sewage, soggy ground, or unusually green grass over the drainfield needs immediate attention.
- Contact the township SEO and a licensed septic professional if you see any of these. The township’s rules and contacts are in the Barrett Township ordinance.
Emergency steps
- If your well is contaminated, stop using the water for drinking. Boil water until lab results are clear, and follow the PA DEP well disinfection steps. Retest before resuming normal use.
- If your septic backs up or sewage surfaces, call the township SEO and a licensed septic contractor right away.
Recordkeeping that pays off
- Keep a system folder with permits, diagrams, inspection and pump receipts, and water test results. The EPA’s septic care guidance recommends recording sludge and scum levels to plan the next pump.
For investors and STR owners
- Test wells before peak booking seasons and after any repairs. Share water test results and maintenance info with co-owners and operators.
- Plan septic pumping and inspections ahead of busy periods to avoid guest disruptions.
- Keep clear documentation for property transfers and township compliance.
Staying ahead of septic and well care protects your Cresco home, your guests, and your investment. If you are buying, selling, or planning an STR in Barrett Township, our local team can help you spot the right property and connect you with trusted pros. Reach out to Live Free Listings to get started.
FAQs
How often should Cresco homeowners test private well water?
- Test at least once a year for coliform bacteria and nitrate, and consider broader testing every 3 to 5 years. See the CDC guidelines for details.
How frequently should a Barrett Township septic tank be pumped?
- Most homes pump every 3 to 5 years, with inspections every 1 to 3 years. Follow the EPA septic care guidance and comply with township requirements.
Who do I contact if my septic system malfunctions in Cresco?
- Notify the Barrett Township Sewage Enforcement Officer and call a licensed septic contractor. The township’s rules and program details are in the ordinance.
What should I test when buying a Cresco home with a well?
- At minimum, test for coliform bacteria, E. coli if present, and nitrate, plus pH and total dissolved solids. Add metals and other contaminants based on site conditions. Reference the CDC testing guidance.
Are PFAS a concern for Cresco private wells?
- PFAS have been found in some Pennsylvania water systems, with levels varying by location. Review state updates and programs, including this WHYY overview of PFAS testing in Pennsylvania, and check for local sampling announcements.
