In September, US EPA (in conjunction with federal, state and local government and private sector partners) kicked off its fourth annual SepticSmart Week to encourage American homeowners and communities to properly maintain their septic systems. More than 26 million homes in the US (or one in five households) depend on septic systems to treat wastewater. If not maintained, failing septic systems can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment by releasing bacteria, viruses and household toxins to local waterways. Proper septic-system maintenance protects public health and the environment and saves the homeowner money through avoided costly repairs.