SepticSmart Week: Protecting Our Water

September 14–18, 2026, is SepticSmart Week, an annual effort to remind homeowners that taking care of their septic systems is an important part of protecting public health and our water resources.

For residents of the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes, septic system maintenance is especially important. A properly functioning septic system treats household wastewater before it reaches groundwater. When a system is poorly maintained or fails, bacteria, nutrients and other pollutants can enter groundwater and eventually make their way into nearby lakes and streams.

What Can Homeowners Do?

The good news is that regular maintenance and a few simple practices can help keep septic systems working properly and reduce the potential impact on our lakes.

Inspect and pump regularly. Have your septic system professionally inspected on a regular schedule and have the tank pumped when necessary. The appropriate schedule depends on the size of your tank, household use and other factors.

Conserve water. Spreading out laundry and other high-water-use activities and fixing leaking faucets or toilets can reduce the amount of water entering your septic system. Using water efficiently helps prevent the system from becoming overloaded.

Be careful what goes down the drain. Your septic system is designed to handle wastewater—not household chemicals or trash. Never flush wipes, even those labeled "flushable," and avoid putting grease, oils, paints, solvents, pesticides and other chemicals down the drain.

Protect your drain field. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment and structures off the drain field. Avoid directing roof drains or sump-pump discharge toward the area. Excess water can interfere with the system's ability to properly treat wastewater.

Know where your system is located. If you don't know the location of your septic tank and drain field, find out. Knowing where they are makes regular inspection and maintenance easier and helps prevent accidental damage.

Every Septic System MattersProtecting the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes requires all of us to do our part. Proper septic maintenance is one simple way homeowners can help reduce pollutants entering our groundwater and waterways.

This SepticSmart Week, take a few minutes to learn about your septic system—and make sure it is working for you and for the health of our lakes.
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For more information and septic-care resources like Michigan's Septic Replacement Loan Program, visit the EGLE SepticSmart webpage or the EPA septic website,