The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), supported by state and local governments, the private sector, communities, and academia, is kicking off its eleventh annual SepticSmart Week. SepticSmart week 2023 encourages homeowners, wastewater professionals, and local officials to design and maintain effective septic systems to help serve their communities. Visit www.epa.gov/septic to learn more.
The GWPC supports EPA in its efforts to educate about this important topic through its involvement in EPA’s Decentralized Wastewater Partnership, through which partners work together to facilitate information exchange on system technology, collaborate to support training efforts, promote public awareness on septic system care and maintenance, and produce materials on decentralized systems.
Organizations and individuals wishing to promote SepticSmart Week 2023 are encouraged to create public awareness about the event and share helpful tips, such as:
- Think at the Sink!: What goes down the drain has a big impact on your septic system. Fats, grease, and solids can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.
- Don’t Overload the Commode!: A toilet is not a trash can. Disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, and cat litter can damage a septic system.
- Don’t Strain Your Drain!: Use water efficiently and stagger use of water-based appliances. Too much water use at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently.
- Shield Your Field!: Tree and shrub roots, cars, and livestock can damage your septic drainfield.
- Keep It Clean!: Contamination can occur when a septic system leaks due to improper maintenance. Be sure your drinking water is safe to drink by testing it regularly.
- Protect It and Inspect It!: Regular septic system maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and protect public health.
- Pump Your Tank!: Ensure your septic tank is pumped at regularly intervals as recommended by a professional and/or local permitting authority.
SepticSmart Week 2023 encourages homeowners, wastewater professionals, and state, tribal, and local officials to promote workforce development in the septic industry through training and educational opportunities. Be part of the solution by visiting www.epa.gov/septic/decentralized-wastewater-treatment-workforce for an abundance of resources and information.