Septic Systems

Septic Systems

Maintain your septic system so your kids can grow up
with memories of barefoot summers!
There could be a source of water pollution hiding under your grass -- it's your septic system.

We estimate that there are 361 homes with septic systems whose runoff drains into the May River.

Is your home one of them? Do you know the last time you had that system inspected or repaired?

Let's Find Out How Your Septic System Works:

  1. Water runs from your home into one main drainage pipe.
  2. The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene.When septic systems are well maintained, they do a good job preventing the germs from your toilet from reaching our tidal rivers. The tank separates liquid from solid and begins breaking down bacteria in the waste underground.
  3. The liquid wastewater is then discharged to thedrainfield. However, if the drainage field is not working properly for any reason, lots of harmful bacteria, including fecal coliform bacteria, can end up washing into streets and eventually into our tidal rivers. Once there it will contribute to existing problems, harming shellfish and polluting water.  
  4. Finally, the rest of the cleansing process happens as the waste water drains through the surrounding soil, naturally removing bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.

Here are 5 ways to keep your septic system in tip top condition:
  1. Regular maintenance. Do not wait for signs of failure to make sure everything is working!
  2. Keep records. Know your pumping and maintenance history and have a map of your system.
  3. Conserve water. The less you use indoors, the less strain there is on your system outside.
  4. Monitor what goes down your drain. Chemicals can damage the good bacteria in your tank, grease can clog your tank, and be sure to never flush anything that doesn't degrade.
  5. Do not put anything besides grass on your drainfield. Keep all vehicles, solid surfaces/covers, and plants with root systems clear - anything heavy can cause stress fractures or inhibit evaporation.
For additional information about septic tank maintenance please visit the EPA's SepticSmart website atwww.epa.gov/septicsmart.

Septic Assistance

The Town of Bluffton currently offers septic system maintenance/repair through the Neighborhood Assistance Program. This program is FREE to applicants that fulfill program requirements.

Septic assistance reduces the impact of failing septic systems on the May River and other waterways within its jurisdiction.  It is the Town’s intent to use this program to help create a safer community while also increasing the quality of life for all residents and preserving our rivers.

If you are interested in obtaining septic system assistance, you are just a few steps away from getting a helping hand.
  1. Confirm property is eligible. Click here to use our simple tool to make sure your septic system is located in the Town's limits. 
  2. Application. Fill out and submit the Neighborhood Assistance Program Application to the Town's Office of Community Development located at the Theodore D. Washington Municipal Building, 20 Bridge Street
If financial concerns are one of the reasons keeping you from properly maintaining your septic system, the Town wants to assist you.