It’s SepticSmart Week

(OLYMPIA)- Every September, SepticSmart Week serves as a great reminder for homeowners to check their on-site septic systems. For many rural households, septic systems are the primary wastewater treatment option available. In Washington, about one-third of households rely on septic. That's close to one million homes, according to a news release from the Washington Department of Ecology.

Every year, septic systems in Washington treat more than 300 million gallons of wastewater; that’s equivalent to 454 Olympic sized swimming pools. Homeowners play a critical role in keeping these systems working properly by scheduling regular maintenance and inspections.

About 10% of septic systems experience some level of failure each year. While not all failures require major repairs, even small issues can contaminate groundwater and threaten both water quality and public health.

SepticSmart Week brings together communities, national organizations, and agencies across the country to highlight educational tools and resources. Raising awareness during this annual event helps extend the life of septic systems, prevent costly repairs, and protect water quality.