Governor Ralph Northam proclaims the week of Sep. 20 as “Septic Smart Week”. The annual event focuses on educating homeowners and communities on the proper care and maintenance of their septic systems. Officials say there are approximately 1.1 million households in Virginia with septic systems to treat wastewater mostly in sparsely populated areas. When properly installed, operated, and maintained, these systems help protect public health, preserve valuable water resources, and maintain a community’s economic vitality.