Septic System Maintenance is Crucial for Water Quality
When septic systems fail they contaminate lakes and streams in our watershed. Learn more in this interactive diagram from the EPA.
Septic Rules in Watershed Towns
Because failing septic systems release bacteria and viral pathogens into waterbodies, RSA 147:1 gives town Health Officers the authority to adopt regulations ensuring that wastewater disposal systems shall not be a nuisance or injurious to public health. Failing systems leach nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into the water which can result in toxic cyanobacteria blooms.
Town of Sunapee
In March 2023, the Town of Sunapee’s Selectboard adopted regulations proposed by the Health Officer requiring that “All developed properties with septic systems in the shoreline overlay district in the Town of Sunapee shall be pumped a minimum of once every three years.” You can read the full septic rules for the Town of Sunapee here.
Town of Springfield
In October 2024, the Town of Springfield’s Health Officer proposed that a new section be added to the town’s regulations of sewage disposal systems and wells. This proposal included the following language: “Everything in the watershed ultimately drains into our groundwater, streams and lakes. Any leaking or failing septic system regardless of proximity to our lakes can have a negative impact on water quality. This is a community issue that requires all residences to participate. Every septic system should be pumped and inspected a minimum of every three years.” You can read the new policies in Section 8 of Springfield’s Regulation of Sewage Disposal Systems and Wells document here. Springfield’s regulations were adopted by the Selectboard on November 11, 2024 at a session that included a public hearing.
Town of Newbury
Septic regulations were proposed in Newbury and brought to Town Meeting in March 2023, but failed to pass. LSPA wrote a letter in support of these regulations which you can read here. The Selectboard has appointed community members to form a Septic Committee to “explore report and recommend rules for septic pumping to the full Selectboard. You can learn more about the committee here.
Town of New London
The proposed Health Ordinance for Septic Regulations will be presented to the New London Selectboard at their November 21st meeting. You can view the proposed Health Ordinance for Septic Regulations here.
How to take care of your septic system responsibly
Proper septic system maintenance is critical to help protect the water quality of a lake and will also help extend the life of the septic system. Frequent pumping and regular inspections protects nearby groundwater and surface waters. A septic system that is well maintained can last for 30 to 40 years before needing major work done or replacement.
Routinely Clean & Inspect the System
Have a septic service professional pump your tank and clean filter(s) every 3 years or sooner & inspect entire system if it’s 20 years or older. This includes looking at all components (not just the tank) and acting on recommendations given in the follow-up report. System should be inspected every 7 years thereafter.
Protect the Drainfield
Keep field clear of trees & shrubs and avoid driving on it to prevent damage to system.
Practice Indoor Water Conservation
Fix leaks, install low flow fixtures, use water efficient appliances and spread out daily indoor water use to minimize stress to system.
Flush Only Toilet Paper
Don’t use your commode as a trash can!
Limit What Goes Down the Drain
Don’t dispose of grease, food waste, chemicals or paint down the drain and avoid using a garbage disposal. These materials can prevent the system from operating properly and will harm the good bacteria that helps your septic system run properly.
How does a septic system work?
Diagram courtesy of EPA
The main purpose of a septic system is to treat wastewater from your home (or small business). In New Hampshire, most septic systems include a septic tank and a leach field (or drainfield). All water that goes down a drain flows out to the septic tank through underground pipes. The heavier solids settle at the bottom of the tank and the lighter solids, such as grease and oil, float to the top of the tank. The remaining wastewater then leaves the tank through a series of pipes and disperses into the leach field. It is filtered through the soil, removing any harmful bacteria, and then eventually enters back into the system as groundwater.
Septic System Additives
According to the EPA and NH Department of Environmental Services, the effectiveness of additives has not been determined. Studies show additives have no significant effect on speeding up the decomposition process that occurs with naturally existing microbes found in septic tanks and drain fields. The best way to extend the life of your system is to practice routine maintenance and limit what you dump down the drain as described above.
Need to find a septic service professional?
Here is a list of septic system service professionals who service this area. LSPA does not promote or endorse any of the companies listed.
You can also find a professional at Granite State Septic System Designers and Installers (this link provides info on septic system designers, installers, evaluators and maintenance personnel in New Hampshire, however it is not all inclusive).
NHDES Prequalified Engineering Firms
For more information, please visit the following websites:
Click here to download a printable copy of EPA’s “Protect Your Pipes” poster.
Click here to download a printable copy of EPA’s “Think at the Sink” poster.