Failing Septic Systems and How They Impact Your Water Quality!
Written by Lisa Kuntz, District Manager
A child drinking water from an outside water hose
Septic systems can impact local drinking water wells and surface water. The extent of this impact depends on how well the system is designed, installed, maintained, and used. Poorly functioning systems, or those located too close to wells or surface water, can lead to contamination with pathogens and nitrates.
Major concerns include contamination of surface waters and groundwater, excessive nitrogen discharges to coastal waters, and phosphorus pollution in inland waters, which can lead to algal blooms and lower oxygen levels. This also poses risks to shellfish beds and swimming areas in our coastal regions of the Great Lakes.
How do Septic Systems Impact Water Quality?
Groundwater Contamination: Failing systems can leach into surrounding soil and contaminate groundwater. Introducing pathogens like E. coli, viruses, and bacteria into the water that you drink.
Surface Water Contamination: Contaminated water from the septic system can also reach surface water bodies like rivers, streams, and lakes through direct runoff or groundwater discharge. This can lead to algae blooms, harm to aquatic life due to oxygen depletion.
Chemical Leaching: Household cleaning agents and other chemicals can also contaminate groundwater and surface water.
Nutrient Pollution: The septic systems release nitrogen and phosphorus. These can act as fertilizers on water bodies, causing algal growth and eutrophication.
Some Factors Affecting Water Quality
System Design and Installation
System Maintenance
Permeability and soil types
Proximity to sources of water
Density of the system
Simple Tips from the Michigan Water Stewardship Program:
Protect It and Inspect It – Systems should be inspected every 3 years
Think at the Sink – Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down that will clog your pipes and drain fields.
Don’t Overload the Commode – Do not flush wipes, diapers, hygiene products, cigarette buds, or cat litter. These will damage your system.
Don’t Strain Your Drain – Be water efficient, spread out laundry and dishwashing, and don’t overload your system.
Shield Your Field – Don’t drive or park on your system’s drain field
Pump your Tank – Routinely pump your tank
Test Your Drinking Water Well – Test you’re drinking well water annually. At Berrien County Conservation District, we offer free screening for Nitrates/Nitrites. Here’s how: https://www.berriencd.org/well-water-screening
Protecting Your Drinking Water Well
Homeowners using septic systems should ensure they are functioning properly to avoid contaminating nearby drinking water sources.
Here’s how: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/2006_08_28_sourcewater_pubs_septic.pdf
Protecting Local Surface Water
Homeowners can take steps to prevent their septic systems from harming local streams and lakes. Properly treated wastewater can help replenish groundwater, but a malfunctioning system can introduce harmful nutrients and pathogens into nearby water bodies. Homeowners are encouraged to consult professionals before making significant upgrades to their septic systems to ensure the protection of nearby water sources.
Here’s how: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/2006_08_28_sourcewater_pubs_septic.pdf
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Resource Materials:
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/faqs/drinking-water/septic-systems
https://miwaterstewardship.org/septic-systems/
https://www.epa.gov/septic/septic-systems-and-drinking-water
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/nutrients-from-septic-systems-can-impact-well-and-surface-water
