Canton Reporter

The Stark County Health Department partnered with Newsymom earlier this year to launch the Striving Toward a Healthier Community campaign to raise awareness about a variety of public health programs and services. This second video, in a 12 video installment, focuses on septic maintenance, cleaning, and useful tips. The video entitled, Don’t Stink Up Stark, reminds residents with septic tanks that routine maintenance is essential to ensure proper operation. The video can be found on the health department’s YouTube Channel or at www.starkhealth.org. In late May, the conversation continues on septic systems as the Stark County Health Department hosts a virtual event in partnership with Stark Soil and Water.

“Your septic system is your own private sewage system which is your responsibility to maintain as the homeowner,” said Director of Environmental Health Paul DePasquale, REHS, MPA. “It is often overlooked but it one of the most expensive parts of your home.”

Proper maintenance of a septic system will add years of life to it. There are several tips that the Environmental Services area wants to remind residents of:

• Avoid driving over any of the septic components in the ground.
• Never pour down paint or chemicals down your sink.
• Minimize the use of a garbage disposal.
• Ensure things like feminine hygiene products or baby wipes are never flushed down the toilet.
• Reduce the water load on your system by spreading laundry out over the week.
• Pump your septic tank or aerator as advised by your Service Provider or Hauler.

“I realize that no one likes to talk about sewage but every home creates it. Unlike a city sewer system which sends wastewater to a central treatment plant, a septic system treats and disposes the waste on the property where it is produced,” said DePasquale. “Your septic system is your responsibility. It is important to make sure everything is functioning properly. We can help.”

There are over 40,000 homes in Stark County that utilize a septic system. The Stark County Health Department reviewed over 1,000 septic systems during the property sale of homes in 2020.  This was the largest number of home sale inspections completed by our office. The health department also issued the greatest number of septic permits in 2020.

“On our sewage page you can look up your permit records to find out which type of system you have, learn more about servicing a septic system and locate a Registered Installer, Service Provider or a Septic Hauler who can pump your tank,” said DePasquale.

Save the Date for Wednesday, May 25 for the presentation “So You Moved to the Country: Do Your Part, Be Septic Smart!” This event is hosted by The Stark County Health Department and Stark Soil and Water beginning virtually at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. The event will explore how a septic system works, why it is an essential component of a home, the environmental impacts of a failing system, and what maintenance is required to ensure it lasts a long time. Stay tuned to the health department’s website and social media channels.

The Stark County Combined General Health District (Stark County Health Department) was founded in 1920 and is celebrating a century of health. The department is currently the ninth largest health district in the State of Ohio which serves the public health needs of over 250,000 people. The jurisdiction of the Stark County District is that of the 17 Townships, 12 Villages, and the cities of Louisville, North Canton, and Canal Fulton. The mission of the department is to assess, protect, promote, and improve the health of Stark County through leadership, quality service, and community partnerships.