As the Environmental Department staff coordinates the annual inspection of Tribal septic systems in the coming weeks, we would like to encourage homeowners and our neighboring communities to continue to care for and maintain their septic systems.
In partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Do Your Part, Be Septic Smart!” outreach campaign, consider the following:
- Think at the Sink – put food waste in the trash and avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain.
- Toilets aren’t Trashcans – do not flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper.
- Don’t Strain your Drain – stagger use of water-based appliances to avoid overloading your septic system.
Additionally, it is important that even with routine maintenance for homeowners to be mindful of failure symptoms. The EPA notes that a foul odor is not always the first sign of a malfunctioning septic system. Call a septic professional if you notice any of the following:
- Wastewater backing up into household drains.
- Bright green, spongy grass on the drainfield, even during dry weather.
- Pooling water or muddy soil around your septic system or in your basement.
- A strong odor around the septic tank and drainfield.
For more information about how you and your family can be Septic Smart, be sure to check out EPA’s Septic Systems website.