When you have your septic system inspected and maintained regularly, and follow safety guidelines, you protect your family, your community and the environment. It’s a familiar message from Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department that’s getting special emphasis during the Environmental Protection Agency’s third annual SepticSmart Week, Sept. 21-25.

“Timely septic inspections and repairs, along with knowing the basics of septic system safety, are things we emphasize all year-round. But during SepticSmart Week, we want to ensure people realize how all these elements keep our environment healthy — and that we have several financial assistance programs to help them along the way,” said Gary Porter, program manager.

Properly operating septic systems can protect ground, surface and drinking water from contamination. They also help prevent bacterial pollution from entering Puget Sound directly or through storm water run-off into creeks and streams. Another benefit of regular inspections is that shellfish harvested from public waters remain safe to eat. Inspections also can reveal safety issues, such as faulty septic lids.