Support septic system standards for Michigan

Support septic system standards for Michigan

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It's hard to believe, but Michigan — the state at the heart of the Great Lakes and home to 20% of the world's fresh surface water — is the only state in the nation without a statewide septic code.

That means that Michigan has no minimum standards for the construction, inspection, repair, or even pumping of septic systems. Michigan has 1.3 million septic systems, and up to 26% of them may be failing.  

Extensive research by Michigan State University found human fecal contamination in 100% of river systems studied in the lower peninsula, and that the primary cause is ...

It's hard to believe, but Michigan — the state at the heart of the Great Lakes and home to 20% of the world's fresh surface water — is the only state in the nation without a statewide septic code.

That means that Michigan has no minimum standards for the construction, inspection, repair, or even pumping of septic systems. Michigan has 1.3 million septic systems, and up to 26% of them may be failing.  

Extensive research by Michigan State University found human fecal contamination in 100% of river systems studied in the lower peninsula, and that the primary cause is substandard, failing, or nonexistent septic systems. 

Legislation has been introduced in both the state house and senate (SB 771 & HB 6066) would set common-sense standards for septic systems. Enacting legislation will:

  • Help identify failing septic systems; prioritizing older systems and systems near lakes and rivers
  • Protect ground water and drinking water wells
  • Support property values
  • Reduce contaminated wastewater migrating to our lakes, rivers, and streams

We Michiganders value and take pride in our water, and understand how important it is that we protect this extraordinary natural resource.

You can help today by contacting your representatives and encouraging them to support a uniform statewide septic code.  

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Tell Lansing it's time for septic system standards

Lawmakers in Lansing are now considering legislation to establish statewide septic system standards in Michigan. These bills will help protect our water, property values, and human health.

Tell your state senator and representative to support SB 771 and HB 6066, and help Michigan join the other 49 states in protecting water from human and household waste.

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