SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE A FAULTY SEPTIC SYSTEM:

1. Effluvium/odor of raw sewage near the cottage, leach field or vent pipe.

                INVESTIGATE IMMEDIATELY!

2. Very damp ground or wastewater pooling in leach field or anywhere along the drainage pipes and especially running down to the lake water.

               REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION!

3. Effluvium backing up in the sink, shower or toilet even temporarily then receding.

               REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION!

 

HOW TO PROTECT THE LAKE AND YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM:

• Keep telephone number for septic service readily available.
• Avoid overcrowding of your cottage/house with guests or renters as this may stress your septic system.
• Have your septic system pumped and inspected every 2-3 years. Cesspools should be inspected and emptied every year. Seasonal homes experience more malfunctions due to temperature fluctuations inside the tank caused by non-use during winter months.
• Avoid use of phosphate-based detergents and other harmful cleaning products.

These can leak into the water, creating bacterial and algal overgrowth which can harm the lake.

 

The above items are in the 2021 handout.  There is a further informational section on the web site here which is worth a read.