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hello Homeowners

With winter upon us, we have some important reminders about septic system safety, as well as tips for protecting your septic system in this edition of the Septic Scoop. 

Septic system safety 

We are excited to share our new video on septic riser safety. We encourage you to watch the short video below to learn how you can help keep any people and pets on your property safe. 
Riser Safety Video
flood sign

Questions from the community 

Its officially winter. This means heavy rains, flooding and other unfavorable weather events could cause damage to your septic system. It is important to know the facts and stay prepared as overflow of untreated wastewater could negatively affect your community and environment. 

Can I use my septic system during a flood?

  • Follow emergency and evacuation advice for your area.  
  • Eliminate all non-essential water use and flush toilets as little as possible if evacuation is not needed.  
  • If the drain field becomes covered with water, do not use the system and avoid contact with any standing water as it may contain sewage.  
  • Try to find other toilets if your septic system is damaged. If there are no functioning toilets available, temporary toilets are an option. The National Environmental Health Association has guidance for septic systems before, during and after a flood which includes info on setting up temporary toilets.  

Can flooding cause contamination? Does my septic system still treat wastewater during a flood? 

Flood waters often contain disease-causing germs. This can be due to many factors and your septic system can be one of them. When it floods, the ground is not absorbing and draining water like usual, so any wastewater that goes out to your drainfield during a flood won’t be treated properly. This also means wastewater can mix with flood waters above ground, impacting your community and surrounding environment. This is why it’s important to limit water use during a flood. 

If flooding also causes issue with your power, the National Environmental Health Association has guidance for septic systems before, during, and after a power outage.  

Did you know? 

If you have both a well and septic system on your property, it's important to make sure both are in good shape to avoid contamination of your drinking water. A failing septic system can contaminate your well water with disease-causing bacteria - yet another reason to keep up with routine maintenance and inspections of your septic system!  

  • To learn more about how septic systems can impact wells, check out the Environmental Protection Agency's diagram of Septic Systems and Drinking Water.
  • For more information on general well maintenance, see the Health Department’s webpage on Maintaining Your Well. 

PS: We'd love your input! We are working to improve our resources for private well owners. If you have a well on your property, please consider filling out our survey so we can learn what more about what would be the most helpful and what is the most important to you. 
Well Survey

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.
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Snohomish County Health Department
3020 Rucker Ave., Everett, Washington
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