Septic Systems
In Northern Michigan many of us rely on septic systems for wastewater treatment. A failing or improperly maintained septic system can introduce nutrients, pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and other pollutants to our lakes, streams, and wetlands. The pollutants found in septic leachate also have the potential to contaminate groundwater. The impact of a failing septic system may be especially noticeable in the form of increased plant and algae growth in the nearshore area, which can make boating and swimming undesirable. It can also make it unsafe for swimming due to disease-causing bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens.
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How a septic system works
Wastewater treatment in septic systems occurs in two stages. First, wastewater from the home enters the septic tank where solid waste or “sludge” settles out. Bacteria and other microorganisms consume most of these solids. The sludge remains in the tank and needs to be pumped out periodically. The liquid waste then flows into a distribution system, usually a drain field where it is dispersed into the soil. Here the wastes are further treated by the micro-organisms and chemical reactions in the soil. |
Illustration: K.Beyer, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
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Some septic systems contribute much higher levels of pollutants than others. The location, design, and age of the system have the greatest influence on the effectiveness of waste treatment. Other conditions that contribute to the pollution potential of a septic system include soil type; depth of groundwater, system use, and the frequency of maintenance.
Maintaining Your Septic System
Replacing a septic system can be costly, so properly maintaining your system makes good economic sense. Following these simple steps will help your septic system operate effectively over the long term.
Make sure to get your septic tank pumped out every 3-5 years, depending on usage. The more the system is used, the more it needs to be pumped out.
Do not use chemical products that claim to be a substitute for maintenance pumping. Many of these products liquefy the sludge, causing it to enter the drain field and reducing the capacity of the drain field to adequately treat waste or to fail altogether. Besides, these products are not needed because solid wastes are greatly reduced through natural digestive processes of bacteria and other organisms that occur in the septic tank.
Replacing a septic system can be costly, so properly maintaining your system makes good economic sense. Following these simple steps will help your septic system operate effectively over the long term.
Make sure to get your septic tank pumped out every 3-5 years, depending on usage. The more the system is used, the more it needs to be pumped out.
Do not use chemical products that claim to be a substitute for maintenance pumping. Many of these products liquefy the sludge, causing it to enter the drain field and reducing the capacity of the drain field to adequately treat waste or to fail altogether. Besides, these products are not needed because solid wastes are greatly reduced through natural digestive processes of bacteria and other organisms that occur in the septic tank.
For optimal performance, minimize your use of household chemicals and cleaners as excessive use can kill beneficial bacteria in the septic tank and in drain field soils. Also avoid putting grease, hair, cigarette butts, facial tissues, feminine hygiene supplies, band aids, paints, solvents, or any other household wastes containing hazardous, toxic, or non-biodegradable materials down the drain and toilet.
Never build, pave, or drive over a drain field or septic tank. Also watch for woody vegetation growing on or near the drain field. Trees and shrubs that grow in the drain field area can disrupt the waste water flow or crack the drainage pipes, resulting in leaks and inadequate treatment of waste.
Runoff from your lawn, driveway, roof, and other hard surfaces should be directed away from your drain field.
Do not apply fertilizer around a drain field. Doing so will saturate the soil with nutrients reducing the drain field’s capacity to remove nutrients from the wastewater.
Never build, pave, or drive over a drain field or septic tank. Also watch for woody vegetation growing on or near the drain field. Trees and shrubs that grow in the drain field area can disrupt the waste water flow or crack the drainage pipes, resulting in leaks and inadequate treatment of waste.
Runoff from your lawn, driveway, roof, and other hard surfaces should be directed away from your drain field.
Do not apply fertilizer around a drain field. Doing so will saturate the soil with nutrients reducing the drain field’s capacity to remove nutrients from the wastewater.
In shoreline areas, plant or retain a natural strip of vegetation along the water’s edge. The deep roots of native plants intercept and utilize nutrients found in shallow groundwater contaminated with septic system leachate that migrates toward the lake.
Last, but not least, conserve water. Excessive water use is the most common cause of septic failure, so reduce water usage when taking a bath, doing the laundry and flushing the toilet. When washing your clothes or dishes, only do full loads. Also identify leaking pipes, sticking float valves in toilets, and dripping faucets to reduce water waste. Install low volume toilets and low-flow shower heads to conserve water.
Proper maintenance can prevent problems from occurring and help ensure that the system will provide safe, economical, and effective treatment for household wastewater throughout its expected lifetime of 20 to 30 years.
Last, but not least, conserve water. Excessive water use is the most common cause of septic failure, so reduce water usage when taking a bath, doing the laundry and flushing the toilet. When washing your clothes or dishes, only do full loads. Also identify leaking pipes, sticking float valves in toilets, and dripping faucets to reduce water waste. Install low volume toilets and low-flow shower heads to conserve water.
Proper maintenance can prevent problems from occurring and help ensure that the system will provide safe, economical, and effective treatment for household wastewater throughout its expected lifetime of 20 to 30 years.
Warning Signs of Septic System Problems
Toilets or sinks backing up or draining slowly, in spite of using plungers and drain cleaners, may indicate that drain field soils are becoming saturated. Wet areas, lush grass, or foul odors around the drain field indicate that effluent is surfacing and are warning signs that the septic system in not functioning properly.
In shoreline areas, noticeable algae and plant growth or a distinctly colored patch of bottom sediment or developing in the general vicinity of the drain field can indicate excessive nutrient enrichment from a malfunctioning septic system.
Toilets or sinks backing up or draining slowly, in spite of using plungers and drain cleaners, may indicate that drain field soils are becoming saturated. Wet areas, lush grass, or foul odors around the drain field indicate that effluent is surfacing and are warning signs that the septic system in not functioning properly.
In shoreline areas, noticeable algae and plant growth or a distinctly colored patch of bottom sediment or developing in the general vicinity of the drain field can indicate excessive nutrient enrichment from a malfunctioning septic system.
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WARNING SIGN: Wet areas, lush grass, or foul odors around the drain field.
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WARNING SIGN: Sinks or toilets backing up or draining slowly, in spite of using plungers and drain cleaner.
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WARNING SIGN: Noticeable algae and plant growth or a distinctly colored patch of bottom sediment developing in the general vicinity of the drain field.
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What To Do If Your Septic System Fails
While not pleasant for anyone, septic system failure does occur and requires prompt action to protect public health and local waters. First call the local Health Department. They will be able to provide expert advice and refer you to septic system professionals that can help you solve your problem.
To alleviate the problem, have the septic tank completely pumped out and ask the septic system professional to inspect the tank for cracks or other problems. Pumping may not help if the household piping is clogged or if high water levels are the problem. Reduced water use will also help. Also, fence off the wet area around the drain field to minimize contact with wastewater. Keep in mind that these are only temporary fixes and further action is required to assess and correct the problem.
Remember that a permit from the local Health Department is required for repair, replacement, or new construction of a septic system. Always be sure to follow the requirements or your local sanitary code and hire only reputable septic system installation firms.
While not pleasant for anyone, septic system failure does occur and requires prompt action to protect public health and local waters. First call the local Health Department. They will be able to provide expert advice and refer you to septic system professionals that can help you solve your problem.
To alleviate the problem, have the septic tank completely pumped out and ask the septic system professional to inspect the tank for cracks or other problems. Pumping may not help if the household piping is clogged or if high water levels are the problem. Reduced water use will also help. Also, fence off the wet area around the drain field to minimize contact with wastewater. Keep in mind that these are only temporary fixes and further action is required to assess and correct the problem.
Remember that a permit from the local Health Department is required for repair, replacement, or new construction of a septic system. Always be sure to follow the requirements or your local sanitary code and hire only reputable septic system installation firms.
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Video: Septic Systems
This is video #6 in the "Protecting What You Love" series created by Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. This video focuses on how a septic system works, how to maintain your septic system, problems to watch for, and what to do if you suspect you have a problem. Funding for this video was provided by: Charlevoix County Community Foundation, Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, Crouse Entertainment Group |
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THE SEPTIC QUESTION - Lake Charlevoix Watershed Report
The Septic Question Project is a grant partnership between the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, funded by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The goal of the project is to closely examine septic system policies for the entire watershed, identify any problems, and examine potential ways to solve them. The committee was also charged with creating a Final Report for decision makers. This is the Final Report, which includes specific policy options for local units of government to consider, in order to best protect Lake Charlevoix, Lake Michigan, and connected lakes and streams in the watershed. |
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THE SEPTIC QUESTION - Antrim County Report
The Septic Question Project is a grant partnership between the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, funded by a grant from the Joyce Foundation. The goal of the project is to closely examine septic system policies for the entire watershed, identify any problems, and examine potential ways to solve them. The committee was also charged with creating a Final Report for decision makers. This is the Final Report, which includes specific policy options for local units of government to consider, in order to best protect the lakes, rivers, and streams in the watershed. |
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THE SEPTIC QUESTION - Cheboygan County Report
The Septic Question Project was a grant partnership between the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, funded by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The goal of the project was to closely examine septic system policies for the entire Lake Charlevoix watershed, identify any problems, and examine potential ways to solve them. The committee was also charged with creating a Final Report for decision makers. The 2017 Cheboygan County version of the Septic Question Project Final Report includes specific policy options for local units of government to consider in order to best protect the precious water resources of this area. |
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THE SEPTIC QUESTION - Emmet County Report
The Septic Question Project was a grant partnership between the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, funded by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The goal of the Project was to closely examine septic system policies for the entire Lake Charlevoix Watershed, identify any problems, and examine potential ways to solve them. The committee was also charged with creating a Final Report for decision makers. The 2018 Emmet County version of the Septic Question Project Final Report includes specific policy options for local units of government to consider in order to best protect the precious water resources of this area. |
Resources for Local Government Regulation of Septic Systems:
Flooding Guidance for Homeowners with Septic Systems:
Additional Resources
Health Department of Northwest Michigan
Serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet & Otsego Counties
www.nwhealth.org
District Health Department 4
Serving Alpena, Cheboygan, Montmorency & Presque Isle Counties
www.dhd4.org
Local Health Departments by County
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132--96747--,00.html
Septic Smart for Homeowners -website
EPA’s SepticSmart initiative is a nation-wide public education effort with resources for homeowners, local organizations, and government leaders. Learn how septic systems work and get simple, everyday tips on how to properly maintain them.
Health Department of Northwest Michigan
Serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet & Otsego Counties
www.nwhealth.org
District Health Department 4
Serving Alpena, Cheboygan, Montmorency & Presque Isle Counties
www.dhd4.org
Local Health Departments by County
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132--96747--,00.html
Septic Smart for Homeowners -website
EPA’s SepticSmart initiative is a nation-wide public education effort with resources for homeowners, local organizations, and government leaders. Learn how septic systems work and get simple, everyday tips on how to properly maintain them.
