The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency held its annual SepticSmart Week earlier this month, a nationwide effort to help homeowners properly maintain their septic systems to protect public health, groundwater, local waterways and the environment.
The program is in its 14th year.
“New England has one of the highest concentrations of homes with septic systems in the country, making proper maintenance especially important in our region,” said EPA Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn. “Preventative maintenance can help protect human health, the environment and save families money from costly repairs down the road.”
Failure to maintain a septic system can lead to sewage backups, contamination of drinking water sources, expensive repairs and environmental damage. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance are less costly than replacing a failed system.
As part of SepticSmart Week, the EPA encourages organizations and individuals with septic tanks to:
— 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 ...