BREWSTER, NY—Protecting the environment is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year responsibility for the Putnam County Department of Health. And while springtime showers can saturate the ground with the potential to cause septic failures, melting snow can do the same. 

“Preserving our beautiful Putnam County environment is always a top priority here at the health department,” said Shawn Rogan, director of environmental health services. “At the same time, protecting our environment is everyone’s responsibility and several duties fall to individual homeowners. One of these is septic system maintenance. That’s because residential properties in Putnam usually have individual septic systems to remove wastewater from the home, not a public sewage system. This makes maintaining a septic system part of maintaining one’s home.” 

Typical or conventional septic systems consist of a tank and a drain field, explains Mr. Rogan. “And unfortunately, improper maintenance can cause the system to fail,” he said. “This can cause a host of problems both health related and financial for the homeowner. If the problem becomes more severe, neighbors and one’s local community may ultimately be affected as well.”            

Signs of septic failure can include slow draining sinks, bathtubs, and showers or worse—with water and sewage backing up into the home. Other signs include gurgling sounds in the plumbing or standing water and damp spots near the tank or drain field, which may or may not have an unpleasant smell. If leakage or overflow occurs in the tank or fields, bright green, lush grass may grow above the system, and cause high levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in nearby wells, and algal blooms in area lakes or ponds.  

Proper maintenance includes regular septic system inspections and septic tank pumping. Inspections are recommended every three years and pumping is generally necessary every three to five years. In 2011 the New York State MS4 requirement was adopted. This made it mandatory to inspect and clean septic tanks once every five years. The code applies to septic systems in the New York City watershed, and impaired water bodies like Oscawana Lake in Putnam Valley.

As do-it-yourself preventive measures, safe disposal of household hazardous waste, which means not dumping it down the sink or toilet, protects your septic system. Large food scraps should be put in the garbage, not down the sink or toilet. Better yet? Composting is an eco-friendly solution. (More information about backyard composting and purchasing a composting bin from the health department can found by searching “Putnam Recycles” on the county website.) Efficient or cautious water usage means avoiding multiple laundry washes in a single day to improve drainage. All these are ways to reduce stress on a septic system. Finally, it may seem obvious but driving a car or other heavy equipment over, or planting trees within the septic fields are not recommended because these activities may weaken or damage the tank and drain field construction.  

Properly functioning septic systems are necessary for a healthy environment and clean water. By following careful maintenance, homeowners can avoid environmental contamination and more costly repairs. New York State has a septic system replacement fund program for specific locations in Putnam County. Residents can call the health department for more information about which communities are eligible for funding assistance.  

House and property maintenance, including basic septic upkeep, may be even more challenging for those facing financial hardship. Income-qualifying residents may be eligible for loans or financial assistance through the non-profit organization, the Putnam County Housing Corporation. This organization has two grants offering financial assistance to those with limited income. Both have income restrictions. One could potentially cover repairs; while the other, only for seniors over 60 years of age, may cover routine maintenance such as inspection and pumping. To learn more, contact the Putnam County Housing Corporation at 845-225-8493; or visit www.putnamhousing.com/home-improvement/ 

When a septic system requires repair, a Putnam County-licensed contractor must be hired, unless the owner repairs it themself. When having a tank pumped, it is also advisable to double check with the hired company to ensure that they will complete the Putnam County Septic System Data and Inspection Form, known as the MS4 data sheet, and submit it to the Putnam County Department of Health within 30 days of the date of their work. This is required as part of the Putnam County Town Codes. If repair questions come up when a resident hires a company, the Putnam County Department of Health may be able to help with answers. Call them at 845-808-1390 and ask to speak to someone about a septic repair.   

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), serves a community composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services are provided through a lens of equity, and include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit the County website at www.putnamcountyny.com, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, X (originally named Twitter) and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY. 

Resources: 

• For further general information on septic systems and repairs visit the EPA’s SepticSmart website here: www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart
• To learn more about income restrictions for the Putnam County Housing Corporation, call 845-225-8493; or visit www.putnamhousing.com/home-improvement/ 
• To learn more about recycling and composting in Putnam County, visit https://putnamcountyny.gov/health/recycle/ 
• To order a composting bin from the Putnam County Department of Health, visit: https://form.jotform.com/231066453174150