As detailed in Chapter 3 of this WMP, the majority of residential properties in the watershed are served by individual on-site wastewater systems primarily by septic tanks and drain fields. – These systems, when properly sited and maintained, can efficiently break down bacteria and nutrients in household waste, while protecting the environment. However, some property owners unfortunately take an of sight, out of mind” attitude toward these systems, and may ignore “out preventative maintenance. Without proper attention, the systems may become clogged or overloaded. When that happens, nutrients and/or pathogens may contaminate the soil and ultimately reach groundwater, lakes or streams. The most important BMP for septic systems (assuming the system is designed and installed properly) is regular pumping, with the waste transported to a facility for proper treatment. Information is readily available on wastewater BMP’s, but this information has not been communicated effectively to all property owners. To improve this communication, the LMWCC will work with health departments to develop clear and simple information sheets, which can then be included on lake association websites, offered as public service announcements in local media, and mailed to property owners with tax bills and other township communications. The WMP also supports a regulation to require inspection of septic systems whenever a property is sold. This will be best accomplished through statewide legislation, as Michigan is the only state without a septic system code. Such a provision is included in the governor’s 25 year water strategy for the state, and is under consideration in the Legislature at the time of the completion of the WMP.
As detailed in Chapter 3 of this WMP, the majority of residential properties in the watershed are served by individual on-site wastewater systems – primarily by septic tanks and drain fields. These systems, when properly sited and maintained, can efficiently break down bacteria and nutrients in household waste, while protecting the environment. However, some property owners unfortunately take an “out of sight, out of mind” attitude toward these systems, and may ignore preventative maintenance. Without proper attention, the systems may become clogged or overloaded. When that happens, nutrients and/or pathogens may contaminate the soil and ultimately reach groundwater, lakes or streams. The most important BMP for septic systems (assuming the system is designed and installed properly) is regular pumping, with the waste transported to a facility for proper treatment. Information is readily available on wastewater BMP’s, but this information has not been communicated effectively to all property owners. To improve this communication, the LMWCC will work with health departments to develop clear and simple information sheets, which can then be included on lake association websites, offered as public service announcements in local media, and mailed to property owners with tax bills and other township communications. The WMP also supports a regulation to require inspection of septic systems whenever a property is sold. This will be best accomplished through statewide legislation, as Michigan is the only state without a septic system code. Such a provision is included in the governor’s 25 year water strategy for the state, and is under consideration in the Legislature at the time of the completion of the WMP.