The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is partnering with states, Tribes and local organizations to celebrate SepticSmart Week from Sept. 16-20, focusing on educating homeowners and renters about the importance of maintaining septic systems.

This annual campaign aims to safeguard public health, prevent costly repairs and protect local water quality by providing essential information on the proper care of septic systems.

According to a news release, one in five U.S. households relies on onsite septic systems or small community cluster systems to treat their wastewater, making SepticSmart Week a critical initiative, particularly for rural communities. EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott emphasized the importance of these systems for managing wastewater in small towns and rural areas.

"In small towns and rural communities across the country, septic systems are essential to safely managing wastewater. Being 'SepticSmart' helps keep these systems maintained to safeguard our families and neighbors from the health risks associated with exposure to untreated wastewater," Pigott said in the release. "SepticSmart Week reminds us that proactively maintaining these systems saves money and plays a vital role in protecting the health of our communities and the environment."

The EPA, alongside its partners, is distributing educational resources to homeowners, local organizations and government leaders to raise awareness of how septic systems function and how they should be properly maintained. Regular upkeep of septic systems not only protects public health and ecosystems but also helps homeowners avoid significant repair costs.

Throughout the week, the EPA encourages individuals and organizations to share practical tips, including:

• Think at the sink: Avoid putting fats, grease, and solids down the drain, as they can clog pipes and drain fields.

• Don't overload the commode: Dispose of items like diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products and cat litter in the trash, not the toilet.

• Don't strain your drain: Use water efficiently and avoid overloading the system with excessive water use at once.

• Shield your field: Prevent damage to your septic drain field by keeping tree roots, vehicles and livestock away.

• Keep it clean: Regularly test drinking water for contamination, especially if your septic system hasn't been properly maintained.

• Protect it and inspect it: Schedule regular maintenance checks to avoid costly repairs and protect community health.

• Pump your tank: Have your septic tank pumped at regular intervals, as recommended by professionals.

SepticSmart Week also serves as a platform to spotlight career opportunities within the water workforce. Decentralized septic systems require regular maintenance, and a skilled workforce is essential to keeping these systems running smoothly. As nearly one-third of the water sector workforce is expected to retire in the next decade, the EPA is highlighting the wide variety of jobs available in this sector. An infographic detailing these career opportunities will be available to further promote workforce engagement.

More than 20% of U.S. households use septic or decentralized wastewater systems, which are cost-effective and sustainable solutions for treating wastewater in less densely populated areas. These systems, when properly installed and maintained, help preserve public health, protect vital water resources and sustain the economic well-being of communities.

For more information on SepticSmart Week and tips for maintaining your septic system, visit the EPA's SepticSmart Week website at www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart-education-materials.