BREWSTER, NY – The job of protecting the environment is a 24-hour task and isn't getting any easier as changing climates and extreme weather lead to increased rainfall and other challenges. Melting snow and heavy rain can cause an already damaged septic system to fail sooner. Therefore, the health department reminds residents to stay up to date on inspections and pumping. Routine inspections and pumping are required every three to five years.
“New York State's MS4 code requirement, enacted in 2011, mandates septic tank pumping but left it up to local municipalities to set the exact deadline,” said Joseph Paravati, PE, senior public health engineer. “This means that each town in Putnam has its own local laws regarding pumping requirements. Because most homes in Putnam County rely on septic systems rather than municipal wastewater treatment plants, most residents are impacted by this requirement.”
Like large municipal systems, individual home septic systems are designed to remove pathogens from anything that enters the home's sinks, tubs, and toilets. The first stage of this process takes place in the tank itself, where solid particles settle to the bottom and a layer of foam accumulates on top. The liquid in the middle flows from the tank into the drain or leach field, where a network of pipes extends into the garden and is usually buried no deeper than 18 to 24 inches in the ground. The liquid enters the ground through holes in the pipes, which further filters the wastewater before it reaches the water table or aquifer, while it continues to drain into nearby lakes, ponds and the lower aquifer.
A properly maintained septic tank is extremely efficient at removing pathogens, but cannot remove the heavy metals and toxic chemicals so commonly found in household products. For this reason, the Putnam County Department of Public Health hosts household hazardous waste collection days each spring and fall. Residents can bring these chemicals to events and avoid damage to their sewage systems. Some of the most harmful substances to a septic system include chlorine bleach, antibacterial products, and phosphate-based cleaners. For more information about household hazardous waste and collection events, visit: www.putnamcountyny.gov/health/recycle.
A wastewater treatment plant fails when the water can no longer drain away because the seepage pipes are blocked or because the soil is excessively saturated. The first signs often include puddles in the lawn or dirt, or clogged toilets and sinks that won't drain. Leaks or overflows from the tank or drain fields can also cause bright green, lush grass to grow over them due to high nitrate levels. Along with coliform bacteria, nitrates can affect nearby wells; Algae blooms may occur in area lakes or ponds. A septic tank failure can cause a variety of health and financial problems for the homeowner. If the problem worsens, it will impact neighbors and ultimately the local community.
Other preventative measures homeowners can take to protect their septic system include throwing large food scraps in the trash or, better yet, composting them. Another good idea is to avoid multiple consecutive laundry washes in a single day to improve drainage. Both tactics reduce the load on the system. It may be obvious, but planting trees or driving a vehicle or other heavy equipment over the drainage field can weaken or damage the tank and field structure.
Properly functioning wastewater treatment plants are necessary for a healthy environment and clean water. Through careful maintenance, homeowners can avoid pollution and more costly repairs. New York State has a sewer system replacement fund program for certain select locations in Putnam County. Residents can call the health department for more information about which communities are eligible for financial assistance.
Home and property maintenance, including basic septic tank maintenance, can be even more challenging for those experiencing financial hardship. Residents with qualifying income may be eligible for loans or financial assistance through the nonprofit organization Putnam County Housing Corporation. This organization has two grants that provide financial assistance to people with limited income. Income restrictions apply to both. One could potentially cover repairs; while the other, only for seniors over 60, covers routine maintenance such as inspection and pumping. To learn more, contact the Putnam County Housing Corporation at 845-225-8493; or visit www.putnamhousing.com/home-improvement/.
If a septic system needs repairs, a Putnam County licensed contractor must be hired unless the owner is repairing the system themselves. If you are having a tank pumped, it is also a good idea to double check with the company you hire. to ensure that they complete the mandatory “MS4 Data Sheet” and submit it to both the city where the wastewater treatment plant is located and the Putnam County Department of Health within 30 days of the date of their work. If a resident has questions about repairs when hiring a company, the Putnam County Department of Health may be able to help with answers. Call them at 845-808-1390 and ask to speak to someone about septic tank repair.
Septic pumping is carried out all year round. However, it may be more difficult to expose the top cover, which is often made of cement, if the ground is frozen from prolonged subfreezing temperatures.
This polyethylene tank also has a “poly plastic” lid that can be loosened and removed. Tanks can also be made from other materials including fiberglass, steel and concrete.
Once the tank cover is loosened and removed, it will provide space for the pump hose. During the pumping process, an inspection takes place to assess the structural integrity of the tank and the baffles that direct wastewater into the tank and out of the tank into the septic tanks.
Before…
Regular pumping of a septic tank makes all the difference in maintaining the system.
…and then
Once the waste is removed, it is transported to a wastewater treatment plant.
The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), the department serves a community of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services are delivered through an equity lens and include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion, and health education. For more information, visit the county website at www.putnamcountyny.gov or our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY.
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