hello Homeowners

As summer winds down, it's a great time to give a little extra thought to your septic system. Keeping up with maintenance now can prevent issues when conditions become less favorable.

did you know?

The Health Department does not recommend using septic system additives. These products claim to enhance your systems performance, but they are neither necessary nor proven to be effective. Your septic system already has the natural bacteria it needs to function properly. Additives aren’t regulated or tested, so sticking with routine maintenance is your best option for a healthy system.

Maintenance reminders

Now's the time!

We understand that this season can be packed with activities, but now is the perfect opportunity to address any maintenance needs before the fall and winter months set in. Don’t let cooler, wetter weather catch you off guard. Check out our maintenance webpage to learn how often your system should be inspected.

Does your system have a uv light?

For those with a UV light in their septic system, it is crucial to ensure it's functioning correctly. UV lights help eliminate pathogens from wastewater before it reaches your drainfield. Groundwater, well water, or other nearby sources of water could get contaminated if the UV light is not working. If your UV light is off or not working properly, contact a certified provider to make sure it’s doing its job.

Questions from the community

"What should the grass over my drainfield look like?"

Drainfield grass matches lawn: Indicates good condition, no action needed.
Ponding or spongy grass over drainfield: A sign of possible system failure or blockages. Have your system inspected as soon as possible.
Dry stripes over drainfield: Nothing to worry about, the soil is draining water well which is a good sign. Although it may not look pretty, it’s best not to water the grass over your drainfield even if it’s dry.
Lush stripes over drainfield: Generally okay, but could suggest excess moisture. Make sure you aren't overloading your system (ex: doing several loads of laundry in a row). Monitor and consult a professional if concerns persist.

As usual, if there is sewage odor that’s also a sign that something may be off, and you should have your system inspected.

Tell us how you're septic smart!

September 16-20th is Septic Smart week, and we want to hear from you! Tell us how you do your part to be Septic Smart. Complete this survey to be featured in our next newsletter as smart septic system owner.

Follow the Health Department on social media so you don’t miss our Septic Smart posts. We’ll be sharing more reminders, tips, and resources to promote proper septic care in our community.

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Questions?

Do you have questions about your septic system? You can visit our website for more information on septic systems and contact SHD-EHQ@snoco.org for any additional questions. For information on Savvy Septic financial assistance, visit savvyseptic.com or email savvy.septic@snoco.org. To find a septic professional, click here.

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-01J89801 to the Washington State Department of Health and under an assistance agreement to the Washington State Department of Ecology. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.