Septic Smart Week

It’s SepticSmart Week, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual event focused on encouraging homeowners and communities to care for and maintain their septic systems. Each year, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) participates in SepticSmart Week to remind homeowners who have septic systems in Michigan to maintain their septic system to protect their health.

What is a septic system?

Did you know there are 1.3 million septic systems in Michigan? Septic systems are common in rural areas that do not have centralized sewage systems. Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that treat the wastewater from your household plumbing that is produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains and laundry.

Do you have a septic system?

You may have a septic system if:

• You use well water.
• Your water bill doesn’t include a charge for sewer usage.
• Your neighbors have a septic system.

You can also visit this EPA webpage to learn more about how to know if you have a septic system.

Maintaining your septic system is important for your health!

Click the image below to watch a short video to learn about how a home septic system works and why proper maintenance is important.

Household waste is full of bacteria, viruses and chemicals that could make you sick. If a septic system is well-maintained and working properly, it will remove most of these things. However, if it is not, it can cause groundwater contamination which can spread disease.

Clicking on the image above will take you to a larger version of the graphic.

There are actions you can take to properly care of your septic system that will help protect your health. Click on each link below to watch a video from the EPA to learn more.

1. Shield your field.
2. Protect it and inspect it.
3. Pump your tank.
4. Keep it clean.
5. Don’t overload the commode.
6. Think at the sink.
7. Don’t strain your drain.

For optimal water quality, remember to have your septic tank inspected at least every three years and regularly test your well water. You can learn more about septic systems on the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) webpage for Onsite Wastewater Management. Learn more about testing your drinking water on the Test webpage.

Learn more

If you missed one of our previous newsletters, they are posted on the Care for MI Drinking Water website.

A little bit about the newsletter

Thank you for subscribing to our Drinking Water and Health Newsletter. We are excited to share important information with you! Through this newsletter, our goal is to help you stay informed about your drinking water quality and what role you play in protecting it. This newsletter will offer science-based, up-to-date information about how harmful substances in drinking water can affect health. It will provide you with resources to help you better understand your likelihood of exposure to contaminants and help you make informed decisions to protect yourself and your family.

As a subscriber, you will also be updated about virtual, local and state-wide educational opportunities for you and your family to get involved in. This edition is about Septic Smart Week.