STEP System Care

Think before you flush or wash certain items down the drain. Why? Because flushing or disposal of certain temsdown you drain increases yor chances of system failure. Disposal of the items listed below can block your system:

Do NOT flush the following items down the drain (including toilets):

• Disposable diapers
• Egg shells, nutshells, and coffee grounds
• Sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, or any non-organic material
• Paper towels or rags
• Hair
• Dental floss
• Food items containing seeds and peelings
• Fats, oils, and greases
• Limit or eliminate your use of a garbage disposal. Instead, consider composting your feed waste items.

What is the City of Olympia responsible for?

The City of Olympia is responsible for the following items:

• Repairing and maintaining the STEP system tank, electrical (alarm) box, and outlet lines from the tank.
• Checking the system and sludge levels in the tank and when necessary, sludge removal.
• Periodically checking and removing the sludge in the tank (approximately every five years).

As the owner/resident, what am I responsible for?

• Repairing and maintaining the home plumbing and sewer line from the house to the STEP system tank.
• Damages to the home or STEP system that occur due to the City's inability to access the STEP system (e.g., electrical box behind a fence).
• Providing electricity for the pump and controls.
• Calling to report an alarm, and minimizing water use during an emergency.
• Eliminating the disposal of improper material into the STEP system.

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Contact Information

• Visit our City Services page for links to other City Services and contact information (phone numbers).
• Contact us at publicworks@ci.olympia.wa.us.