Michigan is the only state that doesn’t have a statewide code for regulating septic systems, and past attempts to implement one have failed.
Advocates met this week to “make a case” for a uniform septic code and discussed the renewed opportunity to implement inspections.
The state estimates there are more than 330,000 failing septic systems, which could be contaminating groundwater and surface waters.
But regulation of septic systems is done on a county or township basis. Advocates say this inconsistent monitoring threatens the state’s water quality.
Stanley “Skip” Pruss is a legal advisor for the nonprofit For the Love Of Water (FLOW). He said the new makeup of the state legislature presents a new opportunity to actually implement a code.
“The status quo is unacceptable. And frankly, it’s an embarrassment," Pruss said. "We are surrounded by the largest, the most extraordinary, and certainly the most valuable fresh surface water system on the planet.”
State Representative Phil Skaggs said he’s drafting a septic code policy that would likely require periodic inspections and set aside funding for enforcement.
“The heady days of large budgets are about to come to an end," Skaggs said. "So it's extremely vital that we take advantage of this opportunity to use some of the federal funds that are available and some of the increased revenue in state funds.”
Supporters of a septic code also said the state does not do enough groundwater monitoring to fully grasp the scope of contamination from septic systems.
