BREWSTER, NY—The job of protecting the environment is a round-the-clock responsibility and it’s not getting any easier as changing climate and extreme weather conditions bring increased precipitation and other challenges. Melting snow and heavy rain can hasten an already compromised septic system to fail sooner, so the health department is reminding residents to stay up to date on inspections and pumping. Routine inspections and pumping are needed every three to five years.

“The New York State’s MS4 Code requirement adopted into law in 2011 requires septic pumping, but it left it to local municipalities to set the exact time limit,” said Joseph Paravati, P.E., senior public health engineer. “This means that each town in Putnam has its own local law about pumping requirements. Since most homes in Putnam County depend on septic systems rather than municipal sewage plants, most residents are affected by this requirement.”

Like large municipal systems, septic systems for individual dwellings are designed to remove pathogens from whatever goes down the sinks, tubs and toilets of the home. The first stage of this process happens in the tank itself where solid particles settle to the bottom and a scum layer collects on the top. The liquid in the middle flows out of the tank and into the drain or leaching field, where a network of pipes extends into the yard, usually buried no more than 18 to 24 inches down in the soil. The liquid passes through holes in the pipes and out into the soil, which filters the wastewater further before it reaches the water table or aquifer, while continuing to drain into nearby lakes, ponds, and the lower aquifer.

A properly cared for septic is highly efficient at removing the pathogens, but it cannot remove the heavy metals and toxic chemicals so often found in household products. That is why Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days are held annually by the Putnam County Department of Health in both the spring and fall. Residents can bring these chemicals to the events and avoid damage to their septic systems. The most harmful substances for a septic system include chlorine bleach, anti-bacterial products, and phosphate-containing detergents. More information on the household hazardous waste and collection events can be found here: www.putnamcountyny.gov/health/recycle.

A septic system fails when the water can no longer drain or run off, either because the leaching field pipes are clogged, or because the soil is overly saturated. Often among the first signs are puddles that appear in the lawn or dirt, or toilets and sinks that back up and refuse to drain. Leakage or overflow from the tank or drain fields may also cause bright green, lush grass to grow above it, due to high levels of nitrates. Along with coliform bacteria, nitrates can affect nearby wells; algal blooms may appear in area lakes or ponds. Septic failures may cause a host of problems—both health related and financial for a homeowner. If the problem worsens, it will affect neighbors and ultimately the local community.

Other preventive steps homeowners can take to protect their septic system include throwing large food scraps into the garbage or better yet composting them. Avoiding multiple, consecutive laundry washes in a single day to improve drainage is another good idea. Both tactics reduce stress on the system. It may be obvious, but planting trees or driving a vehicle or other heavy equipment over the drainage field can weaken or damage the tank and 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 does have a septic system replacement fund program for specific, select 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 mandatory “MS4 data sheet,” and submit it to both the town in which the septic system is located and the Putnam County Department of Health within 30 days of the date of their work. 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.gov, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY.