SepticSmart Week
SepticSmart Week 2024: September 16-20, 2024
SepticSmart Week is an annual event that occurs the third week of September. Communities, national organizations, local groups, and state governments can bring attention to the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems by organizing homeowner education events, sponsoring workshops or sharing social media from the SepticSmart program.
This year SepticSmart Week is celebrating its 12th Anniversary!
- 2023 EPA/Youth Engaged 4 Change SepticSmart Week Creative Challenge
- Remember these Helpful Tips
- SepticSmart Week Proclamations
2023 EPA/Youth Engaged 4 Change SepticSmart Week Creative Challenge
Last year’s SepticSmart Week Creative Challenge partnered with Youth Engaged-4- Change and asked youth what “septic systems of the future” might look like and how they can sustainably safeguard community health and protect waterways. Thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned for any potential contests in 2024.
Congratulations to the 2023 SepticSmart Week Creative Challenge $100 gift card winners: Tyler, Karolina, and Ahana.
Remember these Helpful Tips
- 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.
SepticSmart Week Proclamations
SepticSmart Week is an opportunity for your community, organization, local/state government to bring attention to the care and maintenance of septic systems by issuing a Proclamation. These documents are available for use by various leaders in the community to recognize SepticSmart Week. Get started by downloading these editable files and sponsoring a SepticSmart Week Proclamation from your community or organization.
- SepticSmart Week Proclamation for Governors (docx)
- SepticSmart Week Proclamation for Mayors (docx)
- SepticSmart Week Proclamation for Leaders (docx)
- SepticSmart Week for Decentralized Wastewater MOU Partners