It’s hard to believe, but Michigan — the state at the heart of the Great Lakes and home to 20% of the world’s fresh surface water — is the only state in the nation without a statewide septic code.
That means that Michigan has no minimum standards for the construction, inspection, repair, or even pumping of septic systems. Michigan has 1.3 million septic systems, and up to 26% of them may be failing.
And while some counties and local governments have passed their own septic ordinances, this loose patchwork of regulations is not enough to protect our groundwater and surface water from the leakage of human and household wastes.
Extensive research by Michigan State University found human fecal contamination in 100% of river systems studied in the lower peninsula, and that the primary cause is substandard, failing, or nonexistent septic systems.
Ready to make your voice heard? Copy and paste the letters below, customize with your own words, and send to your local newspapers!
Find your letter below!
General letter of concern
HEADLINE: We have to make #2, our #1 priority
Dear Editor,
Every day, countless gallons of wastewater seep into our soil, contaminating groundwater and polluting our ecosystems. Michigan is located at the heart of the most extensive fresh surface water system in North America, which comprises about 90% of all fresh surface water in the region. However, it is the only state in the US that does not have a statewide septic code. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Michigan has more than 1.3 million septic systems. An estimated 330,000 septic systems are currently failing our state
A 2015 study from Michigan State University found bacteria from human waste in 100% of the 64 river systems studied, and the likely culprit is failing septic systems. Regular inspections could identify failing systems early on, preventing potential human waste pollution and protecting public health for all Michiganders.
Septic systems are vital for managing wastewater, especially in areas without centralized sewage treatment. However, without clear guidelines and standards, there is a heightened risk of pollution and environmental degradation. This threatens the health of our lakes and the well-being of residents.
We have to do better. Please consider calling your representatives to support a statewide septic code. Without septic standards, we are all at risk.
Thank you,
First Name, Last Name
City, State
Belong to a lake association?
Headline: We have to make #2, our #1 priority
Dear Editor,
As a devoted steward of our local environment and an owner of a lake house/lakefront property in our community, I am writing to emphasize the critical importance of septic system maintenance. Our lakes and waterways are not just picturesque backdrops to our homes; they are invaluable ecosystems that require our utmost care and attention.
Michigan is located at the heart of the most extensive fresh surface water system in North America, which comprises about 90% of all fresh surface water in the region. However, it is the only state in the Nation that does not have a statewide septic code. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Michigan has more than 1.3 million septic systems. An estimated 330,000 septic systems are currently failing, threatening public health and our environment.
A 2015 study from Michigan State University found bacteria from human waste in 100% of the 64 river systems studied, and the culprit is failing septic systems. Regular inspections would identify failing systems early on, preventing human waste pollution and protecting public health for all Michiganders.
The absence of a septic code not only jeopardizes the quality of our lakes but also undermines the value of lakefront properties. As owners invested in preserving the beauty and integrity of our lakeshores, we have a responsibility to ensure that our septic systems meet high standards of performance and environmental protection. A comprehensive septic code would provide clear guidelines for installation, maintenance, and inspection, safeguarding both our investments and the natural environment for generations to come.
We have to do better. Please consider calling your representatives to support a statewide septic code, as not having one is both absurd and dangerous.
Thank you,
First Name, Last Name
City,State
Avid kayaker, boater, beach-goer or water lover?
Headline: We have to make #2, our #1 priority
Dear Editor,
Michigan’s lakes and rivers are not just picturesque backdrops for our kayaking trips but essential lifelines for our communities and ecosystems. Michigan is located at the heart of North America’s most extensive fresh surface water system, which comprises about 90% of all fresh surface water in the region. But unbelievably, Michigan is the only state in the Nation that does not have a statewide septic code. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Michigan has over 1.3 million septic systems. An estimated 330,000 septic systems are failing, threatening public health and the water quality of the lakes and streams we all use. A 2015 study from Michigan State University, MSU, found bacteria from human waste in 100% of the 64 river systems studied, and the likely culprit is failing septic systems. Regular inspections would identify failing systems early on, preventing human waste pollution and protecting our health and freshwater resources
Outdoor water sports, from fishing to swimming, are an integral part of our state’s culture and economy. Without clean and safe waterways, these activities are threatened, risking both the enjoyment of homesteaders and the tourism industry that relies on Michigan’s natural and clean resources.
As stewards of Michigan’s natural environment, we are responsible for safeguarding our waterways for future generations. By advocating for a statewide septic code, we can show our commitment to environmental stewardship and ensure that Michigan remains a place where people and nature thrive.
We have to do better. Please call your representatives to support a statewide septic code. We must keep #2 out of the world’s #1 freshwater system.
Thank you,
First Name, Last Name
City, State
Additional resources
Email your state representatives
Continue the fight to get a statewide septic code and email your state representatives in your district with Do Gooder!
Get smart about septic
Michigan is currently the only state in the Nation without a statewide septic code to establish minimum construction, maintenance, and inspection standards.
More about septic systems and groundwater
Michigan Legislature: Important environmental bills we’re tracking this fall
Policy Brief: The Case for a Statewide Septic Code in Michigan
FLOW’s Legislative Recommendations for Michigan’s 102nd Legislature
Why does Michigan need a statewide code for septic systems?
Don’t flush that!
