Water Usage in Septic System Homes: Small Changes, Big Impact

A family washing dishes together—small, mindful water habits help keep septic systems running smoothly.

If you have a septic system, there’s no need to panic about water use, but being mindful about your habits can make a world of difference for both your system and the local community. Septic systems are built to handle typical household water usage, but when usage goes beyond average—whether from marathon laundry days, long showers, or extra household guests—they can start to feel the strain. Excess water can fill the tank faster than it can properly treat wastewater, sending solids out to the drain field before they have a chance to settle. This can cause clogs and other issues down the line, so a few small adjustments to your daily routine can go a long way toward keeping your system healthy.

One of the easiest changes to make is spacing out your water-heavy activities. For example, instead of cranking out all your laundry in one day, try spreading it out over a few days. This gives your septic system time to process each load without overwhelming it. Showers are another area to consider. While baths tend to use a lot of water, short showers can keep things efficient without sacrificing comfort. If you can shave a few minutes off each shower, you’re not only helping your septic system but also conserving water for the whole community.

Speaking of conservation, if your home has older fixtures, upgrading to water-efficient models can make a big difference. Newer homes are often equipped with low-flow faucets, showerheads, and dual-flush toilets, but older homes might still have fixtures that guzzle more water than necessary.  Replacing these with modern, water-saving models can ease the load on your septic system, help conserve groundwater, and reduce overall water usage. In rural, where most homes rely on wells, this also means using your well water more efficiently and supporting a more sustainable household. And let’s not forget those pesky leaks—whether it’s a drippy faucet or a running toilet, small leaks can waste thousands of gallons over time. Fixing leaks as soon as you notice them is an easy way to keep your water usage in check and reduce unnecessary strain on both your well and your septic system.

Now, water conservation isn’t just about helping your septic system—it’s also about supporting the Amarillo community and our natural resources. Here in the Texas Panhandle, we rely heavily on the Ogallala Aquifer for our water, but this aquifer has been in steady decline. Some areas have seen water table drops of over 50 feet in recent decades, which has a huge impact on water availability. With less rainfall to naturally replenish the aquifer and a high demand from agricultural and household use, it’s more important than ever to be conscious of our water usage. Every gallon we save helps extend the life of this precious resource, supporting not only our households but also the broader community.

So, what can you do to make a difference? Even simple steps like using water-efficient fixtures, spreading out water-heavy tasks, and being mindful of leaks add up over time. By taking these small actions, you’re not just maintaining your septic system—you’re contributing to the health of our local water supply. And remember, caring for your septic system doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. It’s about small, practical changes that make a big difference.