WHEREAS, to avoid costly repairs that can result from neglect, proper septic system use and routine care are vital, especially to preserve our highly valued groundwater, lakes, streams, and waterways as well as protect public health; and
WHEREAS, 85 local health departments and 6 health districts collectively serve 100 counties with approximately 780 environmental health authorized agents of the state for the design, siting, permitting, compliance and repair of subsurface septic systems; and
WHEREAS, over two million septic systems in North Carolina treat wastewater from homes and businesses, serving nearly half of the state’s population; and
WHEREAS, wastewater professionals in our state utilize their expertise in the permitting, design, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and regulation of septic systems in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 survival in septic systems is currently unknown, wastewater professionals follow best practices to prevent exposure to wastewater that may contain the novel coronavirus; and
WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s SepticSmart program is used by North Carolina health officials to educate homeowners about the need for proper septic system use and routine maintenance; and
WHEREAS, properly designed, installed, operated, and maintained septic systems benefit the environment, as well as the people living across our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 20-24, 2021, as “SEPTICSMART WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.