The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared Sept. 16-20 SepticSmart Week, and the DNR Lake Michigan Coastal Program (LMCP) is doing its part to promote septic system awareness and maintenance.
The SepticSmart program (epa.gov/septicsmart) educates homeowners about proper septic system care and maintenance throughout the year.
An estimated 33,033 households across the Lake Michigan watershed depend on septic systems to treat their wastewater. Failure to maintain a septic system can lead to back-ups and overflows, which can result in costly repairs, polluted lakes and waterways, and risks to public health and the environment.
The Northwest Indiana Septic System Coordination Work Group, comprising federal, State, and local governments and agencies, State and county health departments, not-for-profit groups, and interested individuals, suggests these tips for maintaining a functioning septic system:
In addition to the SepticSmart program, the LMCP has developed with partners of the Septic System Coordination Workgroup have developed a locally focused Clean Water Ambassador program for coastal area septic served communities.
Clean Water Ambassadors from communities around the Lake Michigan watershed have been hosting events and spreading information to their neighbors about septic maintenance. Those communities are:
For more information on SepticSmart Week, the Clean Water Ambassador program, or to obtain copies of EPASepticSmart brochures and the coordination workgroup’s outreach materials, seednr.IN.gov/lakemich/10025.htm.
For information concerning local septic system regulations, contact the county health departments in your area.
To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.
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Media contact: Bri Ciara, special projects coordinator, LMCP, bciara@dnr.IN.gov, or 219-921-0863.