WHEREAS, proper septic system use and routine maintenance are essential to protecting public health, preserving groundwater, lakes, streams, and waterways, and avoiding costly repairs and environmental damage caused by system failures; and

WHEREAS, nearly 25 percent of Virginians rely on septic systems to treat wastewater from their homes and properties; and

WHEREAS, wastewater professionals across the Commonwealth apply their expertise in the design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and regulation of septic systems to safeguard health and the environment; and

WHEREAS, the SepticSmart program is used by Virginia health officials to educate homeowners on the importance of proper septic system care and to provide practical guidance for its upkeep; and

WHEREAS, residents of the Commonwealth and the environment benefit from properly designed, installed, operated, and maintained septic systems;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 15-19, 2025, as SEPTICSMART WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.