EPA’s 14th SepticSmart Week: Practical and Proactive Septic System Maintenance Protects Public Health & Reduces Costs

September 14, 2026

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) kicked off SepticSmart Week 2026, a nationwide effort to help homeowners properly maintain their septic systems to protect public health, groundwater, local waterways, and the environment while saving American families money. SepticSmart Week 2026 takes place September 14-18, 2026, marking the program's 14th year of promoting practical and responsible septic system care.

“More than one in five homes across the country relies on septic systems to safely manage wastewater. That number is even higher in rural and suburban communities that are the backbone of this great nation,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “EPA’s SepticSmart tips provide homeowners with practical strategies to keep their families and communities safe. At the same time, these tips can avoid costly repairs, keeping more money in the pocketbooks of American families.”

Failure to maintain a septic system can lead to sewage backups, contamination of drinking water sources, expensive repairs, and environmental damage. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance are often less costly than replacing a failed system.

EPA's SepticSmart program provides homeowners, local governments, and community organizations with resources and tools to strengthen understanding of how septic systems work and how routine maintenance protects public health while reducing repair costs and extending system life. During the week, EPA and its partners will share educational materials, host outreach events, and promote best practices for septic system operation and maintenance.

To promote SepticSmart Week 2026, EPA encourages organizations and individuals to share helpful tips, such as:

• Think at the Sink! What goes down the drain has a big impact on your septic system. Fats, grease, and solids can clog a system’s pipes and drain field.
• Don’t Overload the Commode! A toilet is not a trash can. Disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, and cat litter can damage a septic system.
• Don’t Strain Your Drain! Use water efficiently and stagger use of water-based appliances. Too much water use at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently.
• Shield Your Field! Tree and shrub roots, cars, and livestock can damage your septic drain field.
• Keep It Clean! Contamination can occur when a septic system leaks from improper maintenance. Be sure your drinking water is safe to drink by testing it regularly.
• Protect It and Inspect It! Regular septic system maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs, and it protects public health.
• Pump Your Tank! Ensure your septic tank is pumped at regular intervals as recommended by a professional and/or local permitting authority.

Throughout SepticSmart Week, EPA encourages communities, local officials, wastewater professionals, and homeowners to participate in educational events and share resources to raise awareness about the importance of septic system maintenance. For more information about SepticSmart Week 2026 and resources for homeowners, visit www.epa.gov/septic.