SepticSmart Week is September 14 through September 18, 2026!
Gov. Bob Ferguson declared September 14 through September 18, 2026, SepticSmart Week in Washington state! Read the proclamation (PDF).
SepticSmart week is an annual event that occurs each September. Its goal is to help bring attention to the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems. Did you know almost 1 million septic systems are used in Washington state that serve roughly one-third of our population?
Septic systems are important infrastructure. If your home, school, or business uses a septic system, it helps to know how to be SepticSmart. You can learn more on the Environmental Protection Agency's SepticSmart Education Materials page or at the links below. If you are teacher or student (or an adult who loves to have fun!), you can download this activity book (PDF) to learn more about septic systems and how you can help take care of them.
Basics of Septic Systems, 101 Video
Explore the Do's and Don'ts of Septic Systems, (GBRA)
Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video
Hiring a Septic System Professional
Signs of Septic System Failure
Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems (or on-site sewage systems) are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry.
Why You Should Maintain Your Septic System
Saves You Money – Regular maintenance fees of a few hundred dollars every few years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning septic system, which can cost thousands.
Keeps You and Your Neighbors Healthy – Household wastewater is loaded with disease-causing bacteria and viruses, as well as high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated.
Protects the Environment – Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish.
Protects Your Property Value – An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value and poses a potentially costly legal liability.
External Resources
Local Health Department – Your local health agency can help you locate your septic system, provide a list of certified septic pumpers, and if available, certify you to do your own septic system inspections.
SepticSmart – EPA offers advice on proper septic care and brochures and factsheets for homeowners.
Craft3's Clean Water Loans - Septic system repair and replacement loans for homeowners. Lower interest rates may be available for qualified lower-income borrowers, and there are no up-front loan fees or pre-payment penalties.
Training Course: Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Homeowner Education - Free educational module by the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA).
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System User Guide, NOWRA - Flipbook covering the main aspects of household wastewater treatment.