09/14/2026
SepticSmart Week is September 14 through 18, and it is a good time to check in on one of the hardest-working systems on your property.
A well-maintained septic system helps protect your home, nearby wells, groundwater and the Musconetcong River. A few habits make a meaningful difference:
•Have an average household system inspected at least every three years and the tank pumped about every three to five years, adjusted for your household and system.
•Fix leaks and spread high-water-use activities, such as laundry, across the week.
•Flush only human waste and toilet paper, and keep grease, wipes, medications and household chemicals out of drains.
•Keep cars, structures, roof drains and sump-pump discharge away from the drainfield.
•Know where the tank and drainfield are located and keep maintenance records.
This year, MWA is also looking beyond routine maintenance. With support from the American Water Charitable Foundation, we are sampling septic effluent and nearby private wells to better understand whether PFAS may move through household wastewater and groundwater in parts of the watershed. Septic systems are designed to treat conventional wastewater. Routine care does not remove PFAS, but it helps a system function as intended and reduces other preventable pollution.
Questions about septic care or MWA's work? Contact [email protected].
