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September 16 - 20 is SepticSmart Week!
Michigan’s residents rely on over 1.3 million septic systems to treat the wastewater generated in their homes. Approximately 20 percent of these systems are failing to adequately treat wastewater. Proper septic system use and maintenance can help avoid costly repairs and are vital to protecting public health and water quality.
SepticSmart Week is an opportunity for you, your community, or organization to bring attention to the care and maintenance of septic systems. How can you help?
Learn what septic systems do and why it’s important they function properly
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Onsite Wastewater Program hosted a SepticSmart - Septic 101 webinar on September 16. This webinar is helpful for septic system owners who need to know where their system is and what they need to do to keep it working. This webinar also discussed resources that are available if your septic system is not working properly. In this webinar, you will learn about:
- the basics of septic systems,
- septic system operation and maintenance tips, and
- a quick overview of Michigan’s Septic Replacement Loan Program.
You’ll leave this webinar with access to educational materials and a boost in your ability to manage your septic system.
The SepticSmart program is a nation-wide initiative to share information on the proper care and maintenance of septic systems and encourage public stewardship in caring for these systems. For more information, visit epa.gov/septic.
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Remember the following helpful tips:
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Think at the sink! Learn what not to put down your kitchen sink (such as fats, oils, or greases), how to properly dispose of food waste and use cleaning supplies in moderation.
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Don’t strain your drain! Use water efficiently, staggering the use of water-based appliances, to avoid backups or a flooded drainfield.
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Keep it clean! Test your well water regularly (this should be done regardless of if you have a septic system) and learn its relationship to your septic system.
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Shield your field! Avoid deep-rooted vegetation and heavy machinery on your drainfield.
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Protect it and inspect it! Learn about a typical septic system inspection, how often an inspection should be performed and considerations for advanced systems.
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Don’t overload the commode! Do not flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper.
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Pump your tank! Generally, most septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years. Find out how often yours needs to be pumped.
Do your Part – Be SepticSmart!
Having issues with your septic system?
The Septic Replacement Loan Program provides low-interest financing to Michigan homeowners for the replacement of failing or near-failing septic systems.
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