Where Does the WATER GO?

By Lauren Dey, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Where does the water go when you wash, flush, and brush?

It would be nice if this was something we never had to think about, but as a homeowner it comes with the territory. Where your waste ends up usually depends on where you live. It could end up in a sewer system or a septic tank. Many homes along lakes have septic systems. In Michigan, 35% of residents rely on septic systems, and the percentage is even higher in rural areas, like here in Northern Michigan.

Septic systems are underground structures that work with natural processes to treat wastewater before it is introduced back into the groundwater and surface water systems that make up our precious freshwater resources. Septic systems are out of sight, and often out of mind, which is fine when they are properly functioning. However, most on-site septic systems in the state are never inspected again, after installment. If they are not correctly maintained, or if used beyond their life expectancy of 25-30 years, septic systems can wreak havoc on homeowners and on the surrounding water resources.

When septic leachate is not properly processed, it can introduce nutrients, bacteria, viruses, pharmaceuticals, and other pollutants to our lakes, streams, wetlands

JOIN US!

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is hosting our annual Icebreaker Series. On April 19, from 12pm-1pm, we will be presenting the results of a septic system pilot study we conducted on Lake Charlevoix in 2022. For more information and to register, visit our website at www.watershedcouncil.org.

and groundwater. These contaminants can present health risks, as well as environmental impacts like increased plant and algae growth along our shorelines. Public health officials in Michigan believe reported septic system failures represent only a fraction of the total number of failures statewide, and many go undetected or unrecorded for years.

There are over 1.3 million on-site septic systems in Michigan. It is anticipated that at least 10% of those have failed and one-third of them are not functioning properly. Michigan is the only state in the nation that doesn’t regulate septic systems at the state level. As a result, septic system oversight falls to our local governments. Local governments are charged with maintaining the general health, safety, and welfare of their communities, and ensuring the proper maintenance of septic systems is an important part of that work.

The good news is that proactively caring for your septic system can not only protect drinking water supplies and the environment, but it can also safeguard your investment and save you money. Malfunctioning systems can cost between $3,000-$10,000 to repair or replace, and costs could be higher, upwards of $20,000, depending on the type of septic system, absorption field, and the size of the septic tank. By comparison, septic system maintenance costs typically range from about $250-$500 every three to five years, which is the recommended pumping schedule. This schedule can differ from home to home. Signs that your system is not properly functioning include gurgling in your toilet or pipes, strong odors, and pooling water or lush vegetation over your drainfield. For waterfront property owners, you may also see green algae concentrated on your shoreline.

Septic systems, and the threat they pose to our waters, have been a growing concern not only in our region, but throughout the state. Be a good steward, and maintain your septic system!