By Ande Finley, Chris Arnold and Monico Mackinnon
Fisherman Bay Sewer District staff
Proper maintenance of a septic system requires periodic inspections, constant awareness of what you are putting down the drain, and vigilant practice of water efficiency measures.
In San Juan County, inspections must be completed by either a licensed wastewater inspector or a certified homeowner who has attended a training class presented by San Juan County Health and Community Services. Most gravity systems require an inspection every three years; all other systems are on an annual schedule. Check on the website (https://sanjuanco.com/health/ehswaste.aspx) for a list of certified pumpers and wastewater inspectors and homeowner class schedules.
“Think at the sink,” was one of the EPA’s slogans during its recent Septic Smart campaign. Everything that goes down your sink or toilet ends up in your septic tank and a healthy system is a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Toxins such as Drano (as little as one cup), paints, solvents, gasoline, antifreeze, pharmaceuticals, and many household cleansers can kill these organisms and harm your system. Cooking oil or grease, food from a garbage disposal, feminine hygiene products, condoms, dental floss, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, and paper towels can also affect the functionality of your tank. Flush only human waste and minimal toilet paper and don’t use your septic system as a trash can.
Overloading your drainfield with too much liquid will cause it to flood, resulting in sewage flowing to the surface and/or creating backups in toilets and sinks. Efficient water use prevents your system from failing and may increase its lifespan. Installing high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, washing machines and dishwashers, spreading water use for laundry throughout the week and avoiding partial loads and running and draining appliances one at a time will reduce the amount of water entering your septic system. On an island like ours with limited aquifers, water conservation is also a valued practice.
Whether you are a member of the Fisherman Bay Sewer District or a homeowner with a typical septic system, following these basic do’s and don’ts will keep disease-causing bacteria and viruses from contaminating our groundwater (also our drinking water) and our precious local waterways and ecosystems which support a wealth of native plants, fish, shellfish, and wildlife and make our community a healthier and more sustainable place to live.
