America Apparently Doesn’t Like Scoopin’ Poop and a Newly Released Study Proves It

Study Finds 1 in 5 Households Skip Essential Septic Tank Maintenance, Raising Health and Environmental Concerns for homeowners and businesses

America is really getting gross, and now there’s an actual study that proves it.

In a startling revelation, an October 2024 study  from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found that only about one in five households with septic systems consistently maintain their septic tanks, with the majority neglecting regular desludging.

To put it another way, scoopin’ poop is not high on people’s priority list.

This trend poses significant health and environmental risks, especially in rural areas where septic tank malfunction can directly impact local water quality and public health. “This study doesn’t entirely surprise me,’’ says Joe Spano, who owns a septic tank pumping company in Bakersfield, Ca. “Septic tank maintenance is just not a high priority for most people.’’

The ESRI's survey highlights a lack of awareness about the importance of septic tank maintenance, with many homeowners mistakenly believing their systems are functioning well without intervention. Roughly 70% of those who had not desludged their tanks in the last five years stated it was simply because they didn’t think it necessary. Cost, interestingly, was not a primary deterrent, with most respondents indicating that the barrier was a perceived lack of need or awareness about desludging’s role in safeguarding local water sources.

Environmental experts warn that improperly maintained septic tanks can lead to contaminated groundwater, affecting drinking water and risking exposure to pathogens. In some regions, malfunctioning systems are linked to excessive plant growth and visible sludge in drainage areas—clear signs of system failure that could lead to widespread pollution if unaddressed.

The ESRI’s report recommends a national outreach campaign to educate homeowners on the essential nature of septic tank maintenance, coupled with a streamlined approach to desludging services. An enhanced inspection program is also suggested to ensure compliance, particularly in water-sensitive areas. According to ESRI researchers, a centralized desludging initiative could offer economies of scale, making regular maintenance more accessible and affordable.

This study may serve as a call to action for both homeowners and policymakers: increased septic tank maintenance could prevent health crises and preserve the integrity of vital natural resources.