SepticSmart Week
Get ready for SepticSmart Week
SepticSmart Week is EPA’s annual event focused on encouraging homeowners and communities to care for and maintain their septic systems. In 2026, SepticSmart Week celebrates its 14th anniversary.
SepticSmart Quick Tip Videos
EPA’s SepticSmart Quick Tip videos give homeowners practical guidance for properly using and maintaining septic systems.
Think at the Sink!
Learn what should stay out of the kitchen sink and how everyday disposal choices affect a septic system.
Don’t Strain Your Drain!
See how efficient water use and staggering water-based appliances can reduce strain on a septic system.
Keep It Clean!
Learn why regular well-water testing matters for households that rely on both a private well and septic system.
Shield Your Field!
Understand the role of the drainfield and the simple steps homeowners can take to protect it.
Don’t Overload the Commode!
Learn what should and should not be flushed to help protect septic-system performance.
Keep the education going
Explore the full EPA Quick Tip video library, homeowner education materials, and the current SepticSmart infographic.
Promote & Proclaim SepticSmart Week
Communities, organizations, and local or state governments can help bring attention to septic system care by sharing education and formally recognizing SepticSmart Week.
How governments promote and proclaim SepticSmart Week
This presentation highlights examples of how state and local governments have promoted SepticSmart Week and used proclamations to build community awareness.
Kevin O’Donovan, MDB, Inc.
Zach Lowenstein, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management
Jeremy Simmons, Washington Department of Health
Gene McCabe, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Susan Mihalo, Town of Ogden Dunes, Indiana
State & Local Government Outreach
Issue a SepticSmart Week proclamation
EPA provides editable proclamation templates for community leaders and partner organizations. Choose the template that best fits your organization.
Proclamation for Governors
Editable EPA templateProclamation for Mayors
Editable EPA templateTribal & Community Leaders
Editable EPA templateDecentralized Wastewater MOU Partners
Editable EPA templateRecognition Document
EPA recognition resourceSepticSmart Resource Archive
Browse additional NAWT and EPA materials from prior SepticSmart campaigns, including homeowner handouts, Tank Talk issues, and earlier outreach resources.
Practical septic system resources
Printable materials that remain useful for homeowner education and community outreach.
Top 10 Ways to Be a Good Septic Owner
Homeowner guidanceDo Your Part Get SepticSmart
SepticSmart homeowner resourceDo Your Part, Be SepticSmart
Septic system do’s and don’tsEarlier SepticSmart outreach
Historical resources retained for reference from previous SepticSmart Week campaigns.
January 2021 Tank Talk
Archived NAWT publicationSeptember 2020 Tank Talk
Archived NAWT publicationSepticSmart Week 2020 Announcement
Archived EPA campaign pageSepticSmart Week 2017
Archived campaign flyerProtect Your Septic System magnets
The original NAWT page also linked to an EPA resource for “Protect Your Septic System” magnets. This older EPA destination is preserved here for reference.
Use EPA’s current SepticSmart Week resource hub
For the latest campaign materials, graphics, announcements, and outreach resources, visit the current EPA SepticSmart Week page.