Michigan’s big fail: Other Great Lakes states stronger on septic

A septic system is an underground wastewater treatment system for homes that are not connected to a city sewer system. When regularly pumped and maintained, a septic system efficiently manages the wastewater produced in a house.

These systems generally work very well, and are “out of sight, out of mind.” But when a septic system isn’t maintained, big problems can arise. Untreated wastewater can back up into your house, or can leach out through the drain field — and into our groundwater, lakes, and streams.

Michigan is the only state in the nation without statewide standards for septic system construction, maintenance, and inspection. Some counties and townships have enacted their own codes, but sewage and wastewater moves underground without regard for border lines.

For over the past two decades, efforts to address this issue in Michigan have been unsuccessful. As lawmakers grapple with finding a resolution, Michigan’s waters and public health are threatened.

Here is a summary of how our neighbors in the Great Lakes region are protecting our shared waters from septic contamination:

Minnesota’s statewide onsite wastewater treatment law sets uniform standards for the design, installation, maintenance, and inspection of septic systems across the state. While the state provided the framework, local governments are responsible for implementing and enforcing the regulations.​

Pennsylvania’s statewide onsite wastewater treatment law requires municipalities to develop comprehensive plans for septic systems. The law also established permitting requirements, grant authorizations, and uniform standards for system design and installation. The law is administered primarily at the local level, with oversight and technical assistance provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. ​

Ohio’s statewide law governing onsite wastewater treatment systems establishes standards for the siting, design, installation, operation, monitoring, maintenance, and abandonment of such systems. Local boards of health are authorized to implement these rules and may adopt more stringent standards if desired.​

New York’s statewide law governing onsite wastewater treatment systems provides detailed guidelines on system design, installation, and maintenance to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.​

Indiana’s statewide law governing residential sewage disposal systems authorized the adoption of rules for onsite waste management districts and septage holding tanks, expanding the scope of wastewater management in the state.

Wisconsin’s statewide regulation of onsite wastewater treatment systems includes requirements to inventory of all private onsite wastewater treatment systems and the implementation of a maintenance tracking program to enhance the oversight and management of POWTS across the state. ​Wisconsin law also establishes a maintenance program to be administered by governmental units and mandates inspections or pumping of systems at least once every three years.

​Illinois’s statewide regulation of onsite wastewater treatment systems​ established the framework for licensing private sewage disposal contractors and setting minimum standards for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of private sewage disposal systems. It aimed to protect public health by ensuring that these systems were properly managed.