Rockwall County is reminding homeowners on septic systems to schedule inspections and maintenance during the week of Sept. 14 as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) annual SepticSmart Week.
The national campaign, now in its 14th year, runs Monday, Sept. 14, through Friday, Sept. 18. It promotes routine upkeep of on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs), the systems that treat wastewater for homes not connected to a municipal sewer line.
Charisa Hauser, Rockwall County's environmental health coordinator, oversees OSSF applications, inspects septic tanks and ensures compliance with the Texas Administrative Code and Texas Water Code, according to the county. Hauser also serves as a go-between for homeowners, contractors and regulatory agencies.
Nationally, more than one in five homes relies on a septic system, according to the EPA. The share is higher in rural and suburban areas.
EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer said in a Sept. 14 statement that the agency's tips help homeowners protect their families while "keeping more money in the pocketbooks of American families."
Neglected systems carry real costs. Sewage backups, contaminated drinking water and expensive repairs can all result from skipped maintenance, the EPA said. Regular inspections and preventive upkeep cost less than replacing a failed system.
What homeowners should know
In Texas, a permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend or repair an OSSF. Local permitting programs, including Rockwall County's, can set standards stricter than the state minimum, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The EPA's SepticSmart program offers several tips for homeowners:
- Keep fats, grease and solids out of the drain. These materials clog systems and cause backups.
- Skip flushing wipes, diapers and hygiene products. Only human waste and toilet paper belong in the commode.
- Stagger water-intensive appliance use. Running the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time can overload the system.
- Protect the drain field. Keep tree roots, vehicles and livestock away from it.
- Pump the tank on schedule. A professional or local permitting authority can recommend the right interval.
- Test well water regularly. Homeowners on both a well and a septic system should monitor drinking water quality.
Residents with questions about septic permits, inspections or maintenance can contact Hauser's office at 972-204-7600. The office is at the Courthouse Annex, 1101 E. Yellow Jacket Lane, Suite 130, in Rockwall. More resources are available on the EPA's SepticSmart page.
