Explore More Than Just This Free Article

This article is a glimpse of the exclusive insights we provide daily to industry leaders. Dive deeper into our industry-specific reports and uncover the strategic information you need.

EPA celebrates 12th Annual SepticSmart Week Sept. 16-20; campaign educates households using septic systems on proper maintenance and public health protection

September 16, 2024 (press release) –

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is joining states, Tribes and local partners in celebrating SepticSmart Week from Sept. 16-20 and to provide homeowners and renters with information about protecting public health and properly maintaining septic systems. This weeklong, nationwide public education campaign is helpful for the one-fifth of U.S. households that use onsite septic systems or small community cluster septic systems to treat their wastewater.

“In small towns and rural communities across the country, septic systems are essential to safely managing wastewater. Being ‘SepticSmart’ helps keep these systems maintained to safeguard our families and neighbors from the health risks associated with exposure to untreated wastewater,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “SepticSmart Week reminds us that proactively maintaining these systems saves money and plays a vital role in protecting the health of our communities and the environment.”

EPA and its partners are making educational resources available to homeowners, local organizations, and government leaders to explain how septic systems work and how to properly maintain them. Maintaining septic systems is critical to protecting public health and ecosystems in small and rural towns across the country. By being SepticSmart, homeowners can also avoid thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs, while protecting local water quality.

To promote SepticSmart Week 2024, EPA encourages organizations and individuals 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 drain field.
  • 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 drain field.
  • Keep It Clean! Contamination can occur when a septic system leaks from 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 it protects public health. 
  • Pump Your Tank! Ensure your septic tank is pumped at regular intervals as recommended by a professional and/or local permitting authority. 

SepticSmart week also provides a valuable platform to highlight career opportunities in the water workforce. Decentralized systems need maintenance, and a skilled workforce is crucial to keeping residents safe and healthy. According to recent estimates, nearly one-third of the water sector workforce is eligible to retire in the next 10 years. EPA will spotlight the variety of positions and people that keep water infrastructure functioning properly, in addition to providing an infographic that highlights the benefits of working in this sector. Learn more about SepticSmart Week.

Background

More than one-fifth of U.S. households use an individual onsite (septic) system or small community cluster septic system to treat their wastewater. These systems treat and dispose of relatively small volumes of wastewater and include a wide range of individual and cluster treatment options to process household and commercial sewage. These systems go by such names as septic, decentralized wastewater treatment, cluster, package plants, on-lot, individual sewage disposal, and private sewage. Onsite systems provide a cost-effective, long-term option for treating wastewater, particularly in sparsely populated areas. When properly installed, operated, and maintained, these systems help protect public health, preserve valuable water resources, and maintain a community’s economic vitality.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.

See our dashboard in action - schedule an demo with Dan
Dan Rivard
Dan Rivard
- VP Market Development -

We offer built-to-order coverage for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation.

About Us

We deliver market news & information relevant to your business.

We monitor all your market drivers.

We aggregate, curate, filter and map your specific needs.

We deliver the right information to the right person at the right time.

Our Contacts

1990 S Bundy Dr. Suite #380,
Los Angeles, CA 90025

+1 (310) 553 0008

About Cookies On This Site

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy. We won't track your information when you visit our site. But in order to comply with your preferences, we'll have to use just one tiny cookie so that you're not asked to make this choice again.