The Health Department of Northwest Michigan office in Bellaire. (Photo: Jan-Michael Stump/Record-Eagle)
More than 1.3 million homes and businesses in Michigan use septic systems to treat household sewage and wastewater. If not maintained, failing septic systems can contaminate drinking and ground water, and release bacteria, viruses, and household chemicals into lakes and rivers. Proper septic system maintenance protects public health and the environment.
House Bills 4479 and 4480 and Senate Bills 299 and 300 would require routine inspections and essential maintenance for all septic systems. The bills would also establish a database for inspections, a certification system for inspectors, and a technical advisory committee to provide recommendations for septic system management.
Only 11 of Michigan’s 83 counties require inspections. And Michigan is the only state in the nation without a statewide code.
In the proposed legislation, Michigan’s local health departments have an critical role in implementing the new septic system inspection standards. This is because failing systems are a direct threat to public health and clean, safe drinking water.
Some health departments and county commissions have have made official statements in support of the proposed septic standards. Right now, it’s important for health departments and county commissioners to hear from the people they serve.
We encourage you to contact your local health department and representatives, and tell them you support common sense, statewide standards for septic systems, to protect our waters and health.
