Michigan has an estimated 1.3 million septic systems, serving roughly half of its population, and over 20% of them may be failing.
Michigan is the only state lacking a statewide code regulating septic systems, though that may be changing.
Senator Sam Singh is leading current efforts to establish Michigan’s first comprehensive statewide septic code. Senator Sue Shink, who represents parts of Washtenaw County, is a cosponsor of the bill. Senate Bill 771 would direct the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to develop uniform standards, create a statewide database of septic system locations, ages and conditions, implement a risk-based evaluation schedule and authorize trained third-party inspectors to assist local health departments.
SepticSmart Week aims to encourage homeowners to properly use and maintain their systems.
Washtenaw County Residents can find resources on how to
WCCD staff are currently working on an education project aiming to educate residents of the Ottawa-Stony North Watershed on how to reduce pollution risks from their septic systems.