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Why Can Septic
Systems be a Problem?
If your home is near the shoreline of Hauser Lake or one of
its tributaries it is particularly important to maintain your
septic system properly because soil and water conditions near
shorelines may make the system less efficient in treating
wastewater. Incomplete treatment can result in health risks for
humans and water quality problems.
Potential health risks
are the most serious concern related to failing septic systems.
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites in wastewater may spread
hepatitis, dysentery, and other diseases. These disease-causing
organisms, called pathogens, may make nearshore water unsafe for
recreation. Flies and mosquitoes that are attracted to and breed
in wet areas where wastewater reaches the surface may also
spread disease.
Many of the synthetic
cleaning products or other chemicals used around the house can
be toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife. These products may also
reach the ground surface or end up in the water if discharged
into your household drains. These hazardous chemicals may
neutralize the good bacteria that are breaking your sewage down.
Before dumping any chemical into your septic system, consult the
labeling instructions for proper disposal practices.
Excessive nitrate
levels in drinking water can result in serious health problems
for infants. High nitrate levels in ground water can result from
inadequately treated wastewater or over fertilization.
Inadequate treatment
can also allow excess nutrients to reach a nearby lake or
stream, promoting algae or weed growth. Algal blooms and
excessive weeds not only make the lake unpleasant for swimming
and boating, but they may also affect water quality for fish and
wildlife habitat. As plants die, settle to the bottom, and
decompose, they use up oxygen that fish need to survive.
What is Lake*A*Syst?
It is a Lakeshore Assessment System; a voluntary
program designed to help protect Hauser Lake by providing
residents with information and recommendations on how to reduce
their impacts on the lake.
Lake*A*Syst is a 3-step process:
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Read each section
and complete the Homeowners Risk Assessment Sheet.
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Complete the
Action Checklist Worksheet to inventory your stormwater
sources.
-
Take action
to protect water quality by implementing the Best Management
Practices (BMP) described in each section of this book.
How do I
complete the worksheet?
After reviewing the information
provided, go to the worksheet and check what applies to you.
This should take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete the
worksheet and summarize your risk rankings.
Download and Print
Household Wastewater Treatment
Download and Print Homeowner
Risk Assessment Worksheet
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