Secure your Septic Tank Lid!

Children and animals playing on or around a septic tank lid can fall in and drown

To prevent injury and needless death – Keep your family safe!

Major causes of unsafe septic tank openings:

• Open tank left unattended.
• Damaged or missing lid, lid not properly secured.
• Sub-standard septic systems missing proper riser and cover structure.

What can you do?

• Know where your septic system is located. A sign, post, or stake clearly marking the location of the lid shows people where to avoid standing, playing, driving or parking and reduces unnecessary damage to the septic system including tank lids.
• Keep lid secure. Use a weighted lid, bolts, screws, or locks. The weighted lid should be at least 95 lbs. There is no excuse for leaving the lid off and unattended. For lids that are not weighted, replace the screws immediately.
• Inspect the condition of the lids and fix or replace any broken or missing parts. (Including weather damage!) All screws and locks should be in place at all times.
• Teach your children to not play around septic tanks! The lid can look like playground equipment and be attractive to children. It is important to teach your children about the dangers of playing on or near the tank opening.
• NEVER leave an open septic tank unattended during inspection or servicing. Make sure the lids are secured after working on your septic system.
• Consider installing a secondary safety device. Modern tank riser openings can accommodate catchment devices that can stay in place for inspection and should only be removed by pumpers. 

Owners of septic systems are responsible for ensuring the systems are safe and function properly, including having a secure lid on the tanks.

Finding Your Septic System

If you can’t find the opening to your septic tank, contact your local public health unit’s environmental health department. They may have issued permits for the system which may include a map of the septic tank location. If the local health department doesn’t have a record on file, contact a permitted septic pumper and/or a licensed septic system installer – they have experience finding difficult-to-spot tanks.

Pumping Your Septic System

Septic tanks should be pumped every 3 – 5 years. To find a list of permitted septic pumpers visit the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Septic Pumper Program

Additional Resources

Safety Devices

like those pictured below can installed on existing septic tanks. Contact a licensed septic system installer or permitted septic pumper for more information.

Homeowner Information

For more information on septic systems, including system education and maintenance visit

National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association -Septic Resources for Homeowners

Information adapted from San Juan County N.M. Septic Safe Campaign