Septic September: Clean Water Depends on Healthy Septic Systems
Simple care for your septic system is one of the most important ways to keep the watershed clean and healthy.
What happens in your backyard is more connected to the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed than you might think. Every drain, every shower, every flush eventually makes its way into the groundwater and, ultimately, into the lake and river system we all share. For those of us who swim off the dock in summer or paddle the Crystal River on a fall afternoon, that connection matters. A well-maintained septic system supports the health of our shared watershed.
Each September, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognizes SepticSmart Week (Sept. 15–19) to bring attention to the importance of maintaining septic systems. Here in the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed, where many homes rely on septic, the Glen Lake Association is proud to join this effort and highlight how simple maintenance can make a big difference.
How Septic Systems Work
Septic systems may be out of sight, but they are always working in the background. Wastewater from sinks, showers, and toilets flows into a buried septic tank. There, solids settle to the bottom, oils float to the top, and bacteria begin breaking everything down. The partially treated liquid then flows into a drainfield, where gravel and soil act as filters before the water seeps into the groundwater.
This process is effective when systems are properly maintained. It is also common—about 30% of Michigan households rely on septic systems. That means thousands of private systems are at work every day across the watershed.
Risks of Poor Maintenance
When septic systems are not inspected or pumped on schedule, problems can build quietly. In Leelanau County, septic failure is one of the leading causes of water quality decline. Failing systems can leak harmful bacteria such as E. coli and viruses into soil and water, creating health risks for people and pets.
Nutrient leaks are another concern. Extra nitrogen and phosphorus feed algal blooms, cloud the water, and reduce oxygen for fish and other aquatic life. These issues may start small, but because groundwater flows across the watershed, impacts can spread far beyond a single property.
Experts recommend inspecting septic tanks every three years and pumping them every three to five years. Skipping these steps shortens the life of your system and puts local waters at risk.
Simple Steps You Can Take
The good news is that septic care is straightforward. Regular inspections and pump-outs are the most important step. Homeowners should also be mindful of what goes down the drain—items such as wipes, grease, and harsh chemicals can disrupt treatment in the tank.
Protecting the drainfield is just as important. Avoid driving, parking, or building on top of it, and keep roof or sump pump water directed away. These small actions help the soil filter wastewater safely.
Michigan has no statewide septic code, which means responsibility for upkeep falls directly on homeowners. That makes community-wide commitment even more important. For tips and resources, visit the Glen Lake Association’s septic webpage or the EPA’s SepticSmart toolkit.
Stewardship for Clear Waters
Stewardship starts at home. Every inspection or pump-out is one more step toward keeping the watershed safe for swimming, fishing, and quiet mornings on the water.
This September, as we join communities across the country in recognizing SepticSmart Week, we invite you to take a fresh look at your system and commit to regular maintenance. Together, we can keep our waters clean and healthy for years to come.