Each September, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes SepticSmart Week to raise awareness about the importance of properly maintaining septic systems. While the official week has passed, the message remains just as relevant year-round—especially for those of us working in the wastewater industry.
Septic systems are an essential, yet often overlooked, part of our nation’s infrastructure. Nearly one in five U.S. households relies on a septic system to treat and dispose of wastewater. Nowhere is this reliance greater than in New England, which has the highest percentage of homes served by septic systems compared to other regions of the country. In rural states such as Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire, about half of households depend on onsite systems—and on Cape Cod, that number climbs to roughly 85%.
When systems are properly maintained, they protect public health, preserve water quality, and extend the life of costly infrastructure. When they’re neglected, the consequences can include environmental damage, costly repairs, and risks to community health.
That’s why SepticSmart Week serves as more than a public awareness campaign. It’s a reminder of the critical role our industry plays—not only in maintaining systems and educating homeowners, but also in supporting local officials, regulators, and communities with reliable information and best practices.
Participating in SepticSmart Week (and beyond) is an opportunity for us to:
- Promote education: Share resources and encourage homeowners to schedule inspections, pump regularly, and practice water efficiency.
- Build trust: Position ourselves as approachable experts who help communities protect their health and environment.
- Strengthen partnerships: Work with boards of health, municipalities, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent, effective messaging about septic care.
Although the calendar has turned, every week is a chance to be SepticSmart. Let’s continue using our knowledge and expertise to keep septic systems functioning, communities safe, and water clean.
