Michigan Ag Connection - MDEQ Minute Video Shows How to be SepticSmart

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MDEQ Minute Video Shows How to be SepticSmart
Michigan Ag Connection - 09/19/2018

When you flush the toilet, some pipes lead to a sewage treatment plant. But more than 1.3 million homes in Michigan depend on septic systems to treat wastewater. If not maintained, failing septic systems can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment by releasing bacteria, viruses, and household toxics to local waterways. Proper septic system maintenance protects public health, the environment, and saves the homeowner money through avoided costly repairs.

What is a Septic System?

A septic system is a highly efficient underground wastewater treatment system that uses natural processes (such as settling and bacteria) to treat the wastewater on the property it serves. The treated wastewater is eventually recirculated back into the groundwater. There are two main parts to a conventional septic system; a septic tank and a drainfield.

If a drainfield becomes overloaded with too much water or if solids plug up the holes in the pipes, sewage can surface onto the ground! It can contain bacteria and viruses that can make you, your family, your neighbors or even your dogs sick. It can smell and run down into surface water or ditches leading to elevated E. coli levels or increased nutrient overloading (algae growth) from the untreated sewage.

How can you help?

Governor Snyder officially proclaimed Sept. 17-21 SepticSmart week for the State of Michigan. This is a great time for you and your neighbors to check into inspecting your septic systems and getting tanks pumped if needed.

In honor of SepticSmart week, we made a new MDEQ Minute for homeowners to learn about how a home septic system works and why proper maintenance is important to protecting our Great Lakes and environment. Check it out at https://youtu.be/JNQpFo7Cx4A.

Please join in spreading the SepticSmart message:

- Share this email and video link to help us protect your health and our waters.

- For more MDEQ Minute videos subscribe to the MDEQ YouTube channel.

- Visit www.michigan.gov/deqonsitewastewater to learn more about septic systems.

- Visit www.michigan.gov/deqecoli for information about E. coli in rivers.

- Join the conversation on social media by using #SepticSmart.

And don't forget, as homeowners, you can help protect the health and environment by becoming SepticSmart and following these recommendations:

- Protect It and Inspect It: Homeowners should generally have their system inspected by a qualified professional and tanks should be pumped when necessary, typically every three to five years.

- Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down the drain. These substances can clog a system's pipes and drainfield. Avoid using a garbage disposal!

- Don't Overload the Commode: Only put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. For example, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, paper towels, and cat litter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems.

- Don't Strain Your Drain: Be water-efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products. Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day -- too much water at once can overload a system that hasn't been pumped recently.

- Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on a system's drainfield, where the vehicle's weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow.

- Pump Your Tank: Routinely pumping your tank can prevent your septic system from premature failure, which can lead to groundwater contamination.

- Test Your Drinking Water Well: If septic systems aren't properly maintained, leaks could contaminate well water. Contact your local health department for questions if your well is safe to drink and how to test the water.

For more information please contact your local health department: https://malph.org/resources/directory; visit the DEQ Onsite Wastewater website www.michigan.gov/deqonsitewastewater; or the EPA Septic Systems website at www.epa.gov/septic.

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