EPA kicks off SepticSmart Week to promote septic system maintenance and public health

GCM employee report

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is partnering with states, tribes and local organizations to celebrate SepticSmart Week from September 16-20, with a focus on educating homeowners and renters about the importance of septic system maintenance.

The goal of this annual campaign is to protect public health, avoid costly repairs, and protect local water quality by providing important information on proper septic tank care.

According to a press release, one in five U.S. households rely on on-site septic tanks or small municipal collection systems for wastewater treatment, making SepticSmart Week an important initiative, especially for rural communities. Bruno Pigott, deputy director of the EPA's Water Division, emphasized the importance of these systems for wastewater treatment in small towns and rural areas.

“In small towns and rural communities across the country, septic systems are essential for safe wastewater disposal. SepticSmart helps maintain these systems to protect our families and neighbors from the health risks associated with exposure to untreated wastewater,” Pigott said in the release. “SepticSmart Week reminds us that proactively maintaining these systems saves money and plays an important role in protecting the health of our communities and the environment.”

EPA, along with its partners, distributes educational materials to homeowners, local organizations and government officials to raise awareness about how septic systems work and how to properly maintain them. Regular septic system maintenance not only protects public health and ecosystems, but also helps homeowners avoid significant repair costs.

Throughout the week, EPA encourages individuals and organizations to share practical tips, including:

• Think about the sink: Avoid pouring grease and solids down the drain as they can clog pipes and drain fields.

• Do not overload the commode: Dispose of items such as diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products and cat litter in the trash rather than the toilet.

• Do not burden your drain: Use water efficiently and avoid overloading the system by using too much water at once.

• Protect your field: Prevent damage to your septic field by keeping tree roots, vehicles and livestock away.

• Keep it clean: Test drinking water regularly for contaminants, especially if your septic tank has not been properly maintained.

• Protect and control it: Schedule regular maintenance checks to avoid costly repairs and protect the health of the community.

• Pump your tank: Have your septic tank pumped out at regular intervals as recommended by professionals.

SepticSmart Week also serves as a platform to highlight career opportunities in the water sector. Decentralized septic systems require regular maintenance, and skilled workers are essential to keep these systems running smoothly. With nearly one-third of the water sector workforce expected to retire in the next decade, EPA is highlighting the wide variety of jobs available in the sector. To further encourage workforce engagement, an infographic will be available detailing these career opportunities.

More than 20% of U.S. households use septic systems or decentralized sewage systems, which provide cost-effective and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions in sparsely populated areas. When properly installed and maintained, these systems help maintain public health, protect vital water resources, and contribute to the economic well-being of communities.

For more information about SepticSmart Week and tips on maintaining your septic system, visit the EPA's SepticSmart Week website at www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart-education-materials.