Community Announcement: SepticSmart Week, September 16-20

Tompkins County Whole Health and the Division of Environmental Health (EH) want to recognize SepticSmart week. The week of September 16-20 marks the 12th anniversary of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s SepticSmart week, a chance for the EPA and EH to remind homeowners that your septic system is just like any other part of your home. For it to function properly, and to get the most life from it, your system must be cared for and maintained properly.

Your septic system, or onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS), is typically made up of 3 main components: a septic tank, a distribution box, and an absorption field. The septic tank is designed to let solids settle to the bottom, oils float to the top, and partially treated wastewater to flow out to the distribution box, which allows this wastewater to be split into different pipes to spread the wastewater out through an absorption field, commonly called a leach field. The wastewater can then soak into the soil where natural processes will remove excess nutrients and harmful bacteria and viruses. The average lifespan of a system is fifteen (15) - thirty (30) years, but this can be significantly reduced if it is not used and maintained properly.

To get the most life and functionality from your septic system, it is recommended you get your septic tank pumped by a licensed hauler every 3-5 years. EH and the EPA also recommend the following:

• 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.

For more information on onsite wastewater treatment systems, visit EH’s webpage at: tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/owts. For more on septic system maintenance, go to: tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/owts/maintenance.

Tompkins County Whole Health envisions a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Get Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text, sign up here.

Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org

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