Septics and wells

Yes! 

If you live on or near Little Traverse Lake you are connected to a septic system. Most residents have individual systems on their property, though a few residents on the west end of the Lake share a community septic system.

Saves you money

Regular septic system maintenance fees of $250 to $500 every three to five years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning system, which can cost between $5,000 and $15,000 for a conventional system. 

Protects your property value

An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value, and potentially can pose a costly legal liability.  Our county requires a septic system point of transfer septic system inspection.

Keeps you and your neighbors healthy

Household wastewater contains disease causing bacteria and viruses and high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Improperly treated sewage poses the risk of contaminating nearby surface waters, and potentially cause various infectious diseases  swimmers, from eye and ear infections to acute gastrointestinal illness and hepatitis from contaminated wells.

Protects the environment

Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and toxic chemicals.  Malfunctioning systems also release nutrients that can feed nuisance algae and energize invasive species if they travel via groundwater to our lake.

https://www.epa.gov/septic

If you have not pumped your septic tank in several years, but do not seem to be having any problems, it may mean one of several things:

• The tank has a leak and is discharging wastewater into the ground instead of into the drainfield.
• The tank is full of solids which are slowly migrating and may eventually clog the drainfield. This may increase the cost of pumping the tank and may require replacing the entire drainfield if it becomes clogged.
• There is minimal water use in the home and the size of the septic tank and the biological activity maintains the solids at sustainable levels. This is rare but may occur when there are only one or two people in the home part-time.

• Water and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks backing up into the home’s plumbing
• Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining very slowly
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
• Standing water or damp spots near or over the septic tank or drainfield
• Sewage odors around the septic tank or drainfield
• Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drainfield, even during dry weather
• Straight pipe discharging untreated wastewater to the ground surface
• Algae blooms in nearby lakes or waterbodies
• High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in surface waters or drinking water wells

Since these wastewater systems are located underground, homeowners may overlook having a septic inspection but this is a vital step in making sure your system is operating properly. 

• They ensure you and your family do not get sick due to a leak or other problems with your septic system. 
• Routine inspections help prevent expensive repairs to your system or avoid a sewage backup in your home. 
• In our county, a septic system must be inspected with the transfer of real estate. However, it is not only when you are buying a home that these inspections are needed. 
• Septic system inspections should be done every 1 to 3 years for as long as you own your home.

Septic system inspections should be done every 1 to 3 years for as long as you own your home and at the point of sale of the property.

 The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following routine well

testing schedule. 

• Yearly:      Coliform Bacteria & E. coli. Every 3-5 years: Arsenic, Copper, Lead.

                   Other times to consider testing your water:

• A household member becomes pregnant
• An infant or young child is living in the home
• Flooding has happened near the well
• Repairs were made to the well
• The water’s taste, color, or smell

              Find Out More

  Pick up a free test kit with instructions at: Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department, 7401 E Duck Lake Rd # A, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653. You will be instructed to take or mail the samples into a lab in Traverse City with an apx. $15 fee.

Maintaining your well and the surrounding area is important for protecting your drinking water and your health. 

Wellhead and Well Cap

Check the wellhead (the part of the well that’s above ground) and the well cap (the part that

covers the wellhead) several times a year. Look at the wellhead casing and cap for any cracks or

openings that shouldn’t be there. The cap keeps rainwater, insects, and small animals from getting

into the well.

Well System

Have a registered well driller inspect the well system every 10 years or as needed. The inspection will include the condition of the well, pump, storage tank, piping, and valves. When it’s time for a new well, contact a registered well driller for installation and to properly abandon (plug or seal) the old well.

Surroundings

Look around your well to see if items or materials are nearby that could impact your well. Do not store household or lawn chemicals nearby. Don't allow water to pond near the wellhead. Don't plant shrubs and trees near the well. Keep pet areas 50 ft. from your well. Maintain your septic system.Add an answer to this item.