Protect Pond Health, Beaches, Wildlife, and Drinking Water
Failing or poorly maintained septic systems pollute ponds, lakes, waterways, and groundwater. Know the location of your septic tank, inlet and outlet covers, leaching field/pit, and distribution box (if there is one). The Harwich Board of Health should have the plans on file.
Hire a licensed hauler to pump your system every 2 to 3 years and make sure they do the following:
- Check all tank covers for cracks or corrosion and pump all inlet and outlet ports:
- Hauler should be uncovering both the inlet and outlet access ports/covers of tank and inspecting. Some tanks have two or more inlets and/or outlets. All should be uncovered and pumped.
- Hauler should use hook to lift covers – never a shovel as it can damage cover/tank.
- Inspect structural integrity of tank during and after pumping:
- Start by clearing debris from the lid and checking for structural damage like cracks or leaks.
- Check that the baffles are intact and not clogged.
- Look for signs of corrosion or deterioration.
- Observe irregularities:
- Make sure sludge layers are not too thick/heavy (little/light is preferred). Sludge should not exceed 30% of the tank’s capacity.
- Check liquid level:
- If liquid is too low – possible leak.
- If liquid is too high – possible clog.
- Look for root infiltration, cracks, wipes, thick toilet paper.
- Test main line flow from house to tank – homeowner should be present to flush toilet and run water.
- Inspect distribution box (if there is one) – remove any tree roots or other blockages.
- Return yard to previous condition.
- Does hauler report tank health, make recommendations, and discuss needed repairs?
HARWICH PONDS COALITION MEMBER BENEFIT
See below for Harwich-based haulers who offer a $25 discount to Harwich Ponds Coalition members:
NOTE: You must mention the $25 discount at time of scheduling.
— Not necessarily combinable with other offers.
— Many companies offer new customer, multi-home, online/website discounts – just ask!
— Some haulers routinely contact homeowners when next pumping is suggested.
Harwich-based haulers who offer a $25 discount for Harwich Ponds Coalition members:
ABB-Solutely Septic – Robert Lothrop (508) 737-3977 misty8124@yahoo.com
Discount Septic/Before Sunset LLC – Darrell Stone (508) 240-2500 b4sunsetllc@gmail.com
Speakman Excavating LLC – Sam Speakman (508) 432-5565 ap@speakmanexcavating.com
Shore Things Siteworks – Ashley, admin. (774) 801-9005 tim@shorethings.com
Robert B. Our Company (now part of Baystate Sewage) – Christopher W. Our (508) 432-0530 swilliams@robertour.com or 508-477-8877
Make sure hauler properly digs up inlet and outlet covers, pumps from both, removes roots or other blockage from distribution box, and returns yard to previous condition.
For a list of septic haulers licensed with the Harwich Board of Health, call 508-430-7509 or see the list on the Harwich Health Department webpage.
Click here for a printable copy of the checklist to share with your neighbors and your septic hauler.
Created by Harwich Ponds Coalition: December 2025. Revised June 2026