Healthy Septic Systems

The BLPS "Fresh Start" Program for Healthy Septic Systems

Poorly performing septic systems are suspected to be a key contributor to HABs on Black Lake. A leaky septic system can release nutrients into Black Lake and feed harmful algal blooms. Fresh Start is our campaign to encourage everyone to inspect their system and pump their tank this year, and to get on an ongoing program to maintain a healthy septic system.

The health department recommends regular septic system maintenance according to the chart provided below. Regular maintenance saves money, preserves your property value, and prevents the hassle of unexpected repair. If enough of our community gets on a regular schedule of inspection and pumping, starting this year, we can make a big impact.

Sign Up for Fresh Start

Feedback is needed to know we as a community are making an impact. When you take an action of pumping your septic tank and committing to a recommended pumpout schedule, please mark it on Eyes on the Lake so we can chart our community response. Click the button below, choose an observation type of "Healthy Septic", and specify the location of your system on the lake.

Thanks for your commitment and thanks for letting us know!

Commit to A Healthy Septic

Schedule Your "Fresh Start" Inspection

Determine Your Recommended Pumpout/Inspection Frequency

This helpful guide can help you determine a schedule that is right for you based on the size of your tank and the number of occupants in your household. Septic tank cleaning and pumping is a critical step in septic system care as it extends the life of the septic field.

A Simple Overview of Septic Systems

Aging septic systems are a significant risk to the health of our lake, our marine life, and us and our neighbors. The more we understand how these systems work, the more we realize that there are some very simple changes we can make to reduce "unnatural" levels of nutrients, pathogens, and bacteria. The following YouTube video is a very good use of 19 minutes of your time.

Quick Tips

WHY MAINTAIN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
Keeping your septic system in optimal running order pays off in many ways:

It helps to protect your health. A properly operating septic system removes bacteria and viruses and helps prevent the spread of infection and disease. If overloaded or clogged unhealthy contaminants can leach into the groundwater, the lake and even your well water.
It helps to prevent Harmful Algal Blooms. Nitrogen and phosphorous contribute to the rise of algal blooms. By keeping your septic system maintained, you are helping to prevent leaching into the lake.
It helps to keep your swimming area clear. Limiting the nutrients from entering the lake helps prevent aquatic plants from growing near your shoreline. Too many nutrients can also reduce oxygen levels which can negatively impact fish and wildlife.
It saves money in the long run. Routine, regular maintenance and inspections will prevent a costly repair or a full replacement because of an overall system failure.
Protects your property value. If poorly maintained, odors, standing water, or moss can develop on your drain field.

PROPER CARE FOR YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
Proper care and attention will lengthen the life of your septic system and help to prevent unexpected and costly failures:

Inspect and pump out your system according to the schedule provided above..
Pump more often if you have a lot of guests or a large party. Also if someone in your household is taking medications such as antibiotics, antibacterials or chemotherapy.
When you have your tank pumped your pumping professional can inspect your system components to make sure they are operating effectively. If at any time you notice red flags (see below) or heavy flooding or other unusual circumstances, you may want to inspect more often.
Do not use additives. They have not been shown to be effective and may even be counterproductive.
Learn about your septic system. Your pump professional can locate your tank(s) and field and determine the size of your tank if you’re not sure. They can also determine if your system is operating efficiently or if modifications or repairs are needed.
Keep a septic file. Include maintenance records, pumper information and when your next pump out is recommended.

RED FLAGS
These are some things that may indicate a failing system or one in need of attention:

Slow running drains.
Odors
Gurgling sounds in pipes when water is used or when a toilet is flushed.
Soft mushy ground over a drain field.
Greener grass or faster growing grass over a drain field.
Family members with repeated intestinal illnesses.

PREVENT OVERLOADING YOUR SYSTEM
Help prolong the life of your system by minimizing the amount of water entering your drains:

Redirect downspouts away from the drain field.
In winter when clearing snow avoid build up over drain field.
Space out water usage from laundry, dishwashers and showers.
Install low flow faucets and shower heads.
Install low flush toilets.
Repair leaky faucets and toilets.
Avoid using a garbage disposal.
Do not connect a sump pump to a septic system.

WHAT NOT TO FLUSH OR PUT DOWN DRAINS
The following items can clog up your system, interfere with the natural breakdown of effluent and contribute to hazardous waste getting into Black Lake or even your well water.

No paper products except toilet paper. No baby wipes, Q-tips, facial tissue, cotton balls, tampons, etc.
No dental floss - avoid even hair
Avoid fat, grease and oil.
No paint, solvents, pesticides, disinfectants etc.
No cigarette butts
No medications
No cat litter
No coffee grounds