Inspect Your Septic System—Protect Your Wallet

Staff Report

Water quality in Vaughn Bay can be improved with regular sepWater quality in Vaughn Bay can be improved with regular septic system inspections. Courtesy Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

The Shellfish Partners, Special to KP News

During the cold, wet and short days of winter you probably enjoy spending more time inside with a blanket by the fire and less time outside enjoying the beauties of nature. As the days begin to lengthen, the temperatures rise and you start to think about spring-cleaning, keep in mind what’s in your yard that you don’t see—your septic system.

Taking care of your septic system with regular inspections and maintenance is essential to clean water and good health. It also increases your property value. Regular septic system inspections are required under state and local regulations. Because your septic system is underground, you can’t always see problems. The only way to know if your septic system is working properly is to have it inspected regularly by a certified septic professional.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers incentives and affordable loan programs to help you cut the costs. Our septic care incentive program offers Key Peninsula residents $125 off inspections, $200 off pumping and $125 off a riser installation.

If you learn it’s time to repair, replace or upgrade your septic system, we have several affordable loan programs that can help ease the cost. These include several that are available through various Pierce County departments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as the Clean Water Loan program from Craft 3, a community-development lending agency. Loans can cover all upfront and construction costs, including septic system design, permits and installations. The loan program is a fit for a wide range of properties, incomes and credit backgrounds to help reduce financial barriers for families and small businesses.

The cheapest septic system you’ll ever have is the one you’re using now. Get it inspected to prevent septic system failures. Protect your investment, your family and your community. Take advantage of these money saving opportunities and keep the Key Peninsula a healthy place to live!

For more information, contact us at 798-4788 or EHsepticsystems@tpchd.org.

For a list of certified septic professionals, go to tpchd.org/septicservicecompanies.

Sign up for savings now at tpchd.org/incentive.

Learn more about our loan programs at tpchd.org/septichelp.

The Shellfish Partners have been at work to protect Key Peninsula’s beaches and shellfish resources since 2006. Made up of Pierce County Public Works Surface Water Management, Pierce Conservation District, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, community organizations and Key Peninsula residents. To learn more or to get involved, call 798-6470 or visit tpchd.org/shellfish.