An article in the Bridge magazine outlines research showing that septic systems in Michigan are not protecting our surface waters like they should, or like we thought. Research done by MSU shows that 10% of septic systems throughout Michigan are failing to properly filter waste and result in discharges to groundwater, and eventually to our lakes, rivers and streams. Michigan is the only state in the United States that does not have a uniform state septic code. The article argues why this needs to change. And since we have so much surface water and over one million septic systems in operation throughout the state, the impacts of this problem can be huge.
Kalkaska County and the other counties that are covered by our local health department adopted a septic ordinance that requires inspection of systems and correction of failing systems at the time of sale of any property. This was an important step forward. However, there is no regulation of existing septic systems where no property sale occurs. It is clear from the MSU research, that many in use systems are failing to function properly and go undetected, and uncorrected.
Here is a link to the full article.
http://www.bridgemi.com/guest-commentary/waste-water-why-michigan-needs-state-septic-code