Safe Septic Practices

Financial Impact

It costs less to maintain a septic [$250 – $500 every 3 to 5 years] than it does to repair or replace a broken septic system [between $5,000 – $15,000 or more depending on the complexity of the system][1].

A septic system in need of repair or replacement lowers property value. Having a malfunctioning septic system can also be a legal liability when selling your home[2].

[1] “Why Maintain Your Septic System | US EPA – U.S. Environmental …,” Why maintain your septic system, August 7, 2023, https://www.epa.gov/septic/why-maintain-your-septic-system.

[2] Andrew Blodgett, “Selling Your Home? Beware of Potential Liability When Filling out Your Seller’s Disclosure Statement.,” Northern Michigan Property Law, February 5, 2021, https://www.northernmichiganpropertylaw.com/blog/2021/2/5/selling-your-home-beware-of-potential-liability-when-filling-out-your-sellers-disclosure-statement.

Health and Safety

Septic systems in need of repair or replacement do not fully treat the wastewater before introducing it into the groundwater. Wastewater contains bacteria, viruses, excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), and pharmaceuticals. This improperly treated wastewater will go on to contaminate groundwater, streams, and rivers[1].

Contaminated groundwater from faulty septic systems can find its way into wells, causing a hazard to human health to households and neighborhoods[2]. Properly maintained septic systems will remove most of the bacteria, viruses, and excess nutrients before the wastewater reaches the water table[3].

[1] “Septic Regulation Success Stories in Northern Michigan,” Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, September 2022, https://watershedcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2022-Septic-Success-Stories-Of-Northern-Michigan.pdf.

[2] “Septic Systems and Drinking Water | US EPA,” Septic Systems and Drinking Water, September 8, 2023, https://www.epa.gov/septic/septic-systems-and-drinking-water.

[3] To learn more about keeping your well water safe, visit https://www.epa.gov/privatewells/protect-your-homes-water – welltestanchor. 

Environmental Impact

Households with failing septic systems in the Pine River watershed will have this contaminated ground water flow into the Pine River. Additionally, there are many households in our area that have septic systems directly connected to the Pine River. Besides agricultural runoff, faulty septic systems are one of the largest contributing factors of the excess nutrients in the Pine River. These excess nutrients and polluted sedimentation are what cause the Pine River’s eutrophication – the increase in nutrients which leads to excess plant growth and algae blooms. This reduces the oxygen levels for fish and other animals.

Groundwater is estimated to be 40% of the source of a river’s water. In periods of no rainfall, this number can increase up to 100%[1]. Therefore, groundwater contamination from faulty septic systems directly impacts the health of the Pine River.

[1] “Groundwater and River Flow,” American Ground Water Trust, October 16, 2012, https://agwt.org/content/groundwater-and-river-flow.

Your septic system can fail for a variety of reasons. The most common are physical damage, poor construction, lack of maintenance, and generating more wastewater than the system was designed to handle. To reduce the risk of failure, households should be aware of and avoid hazardous septic practices (listed above under “How do we Maintain our Septic Systems”) and have routine inspections every 3 years.

The most common signs of a failing septic system are[1]:

• Sinks, showers, and bathtubs drain slowly.
• Sinks and toilets back up with wastewater.
• Drains and pipes make a gurgling sound when draining.
• There is standing water near the septic tank or drain field.
• The grass over your drain field or septic system is growing faster, lusher, and greener than other sections of your yard.
• You smell sewage around the septic tank or drain field.
• High levels of nitrates and coliform bacteria appear after testing your well-water.
• You have a straight pipe discharging untreated wastewater above ground.
• You notice algae blooms in bodies of water around your property.

If you notice these symptoms, contact help from the resources below.

[1] Resolving septic system malfunctions | US EPA, May 2, 2023, https://www.epa.gov/septic/resolving-septic-system-malfunctions.

This diagram shows the typical septic system operates for a single-family home or small business[1].

 Water from the house pipes into a septic tank. The septic tank holds wastewater, where solids settle to the bottom of the tank.

The wastewater leaves the tank and enters the drain field. In the drain field, the wastewater is treated naturally by flowing through the soil.

The treated wastewater reenters the groundwater. The groundwater is then picked up by your well to use as drinking water for your home. This groundwater also enters nearby bodies of water, such as nearby streams, rivers, and lakes.

[1] “Conventional Septic Systems,” Types of Septic Systems, August 7, 2023, https://www.epa.gov/septic/types-septic-systems.

If you suspect that your septic system is failing, contact the Mid-Michigan District Health Department for assistance[1]. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department has three branches depending on your county.

Clinton County: 989-224-2195 (ext. 4)

Gratiot County: 989-875-3681 (ext. 4)

Montcalm County: 989-831-5237 (ext. 4)

Visit www.mmdhd.org/contact to see how to get in touch with your local MMDHD.

[1] “SepticSmart,” MMDHD District Health Department | July 21, 2023, https://www.mmdhd.org/environmental-services/septic/septic-smart/.

Local Septic Companies

Akers Waste Removal  – For Septic Pumping and Maintenance

            6288 S. Bagley Rd. Ashley, MI 48806

            1 (989) 838-4104

            akerswasteremoval@yahoo.com

Security Septic  – For Septic Repair, Installation, and Pumping

            2000 E. Superior St. Alma, MI 48801

            1 (989) 463-2212

            securityseptic@gmail.com

            securityseptic.com

Financial Assistance for Low Income Households

Homeowner Repair Grants and Loans

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): Section 504 Home Repair Program

• Loans Available for Low Income Households with the homeowner under the age of 62.
• Grants are Available for Low Income Households with the homeowner age 62 or older.
• https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/mi

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS): State Emergency Relief[1]

• Application available through MI Bridges
• Funding of up to $1,500 for Septic Repairs
• https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page?language=en_US

EightCap Community Service Emergency Assistance

• Applications are for emergency assistance only, and acceptance and funding amount depends on funding.
• For Gratiot, Ionia, Montcalm, and Isabella Counties
• https://8cap.org/community-service/

Poverty Improvement Program (PIP)

• Contact MI State Housing Development (MSHDA) and ask about homeowner repair loans through the PIP program.
• (517) 335-9885

[1] “Home Repairs”, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services | https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/emergency-relief/home-repairs

Organizations you can contact for more financial assistance[1][2]:

MI State Housing Development (MSHDA) | (517) 335-9885

Habitat for Humanity – Michigan | (517) 485-1006

USDA Rural Development – State of Michigan Office | (517) 324-5210

EightCAP, INC | (866) 754-9315 | https://8cap.org/community-service/

[1] “Michigan Homeowner Repair and Rehabilitation Assistance”, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | https://www.hud.gov/states/michigan/homeownership/repair_rehab

[2] “Single-Family Home Repair Programs,” Michigan Resource Guide | January, 2022 | single-family-home-repair-programs-resource-guide.pdf (miplace.org)