‘SepticSmart Week’ Draws Focus on Proper Installation and Maintenance of Septic Systems

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Sept. 15, 2025 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — To help draw focus on the important role of septic tank systems and the proper maintenance they require, Sept. 15-19 is recognized as “SepticSmart Week” in South Carolina by a proclamation issued by Gov. Henry McMaster. The declaring of SepticSmart Week aligns with national efforts led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to educate homeowners about the need for proper septic system installation, use, and routine maintenance. 

The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) issues permits for the installation of onsite wastewater systems, commonly known as septic tanks, in accordance with state Regulation 61-56. Before a permit is issued, the agency assesses the proposed site and details of the septic tank to make certain it can comply with the state regulations. Once a permit is issued, the property owner is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the septic tank. 

 A septic tank system is comprised of a tank and drain field and is designed to treat and dispose of domestic wastewater through a combination of natural processes. When properly installed and maintained, a septic system renders wastewater ecologically safe. Routine care of them — which includes regular inspections every one to two years and pumping every three to five years — prevents groundwater and surface water pollution. 

Before SCDES issues a septic tank permit, the proposed site is thoroughly assessed to make sure it can properly support a septic tank system in compliance with state regulations. Here, David Vaughan and Anna Lane with SCDES's Onsite Wastewater Division measure a potential septic tank site. 

Approximately 30% of households in South Carolina rely on septic tank systems. SCDES received 17,336 applications for individual septic systems in 2023-2024, up from 7,456 in 2010-2011 — an increase of 132% that highlights the rising demand for septic tanks as South Carolina experiences significant population growth and development. 

“SepticSmart Week aims to raise awareness about proper septic system maintenance, which protects people’s heath, groundwater quality, and our state’s vital ecosystems,” said Ashley Pritchett, program manager with SCDES’s Onsite Wastewater Program. “Its recognition also gives us a platform to encourage homeowners to adopt EPA-recommended practices for septic systems that can help conserve water, reduce improper waste disposal, and better protect drain fields. We also offer guidance about the process of an onsite wastewater system installation before purchasing land.” 

Key tips for proper maintenance include: 

• Having septic system inspected every one to two years and cleaned (pumped out) every three to five years or more frequently, depending on the tank size and number of people using the system. 

• Only flushing human waste and toilet paper. 

• Knowing the system's location and keeping records of the routine maintenance performed. 

While SCDES doesn’t have authority to perform routine septic tank inspections, the agency provides recommendations for finding a licensed septic tank inspector at des.sc.gov/septic. The webpage also provides routine maintenance checklists, permitting information, contractor resources, and more. 

"We want to make sure South Carolinians are well-informed about the permitting process for septic system installation and the requirement to adhere to state regulations,” Pritchett said. "It’s important for septic tank owners to fully understand their role in installing and maintaining these systems to protect people’s health and our environment.” 

South Carolina’s SepticSmart Week follows the EPA’s SepticSmart model, which is a nationwide initiative to encourage public stewardship in caring for these wastewater treatment systems. The SepticSmart program provides a wealth of online resources for homeowners and local organizations, available at epa.gov/septic/septicsmart. 

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