Septic System

The state estimates more than 330,000 septic systems are failing in Michigan. A new loan program aims to make it more affordable for residents to replace faulty systems.

State and federal officials have been touting practices to maintain septic systems, as part of SepticSmart week, but bills in Lansing that propose to increase regulation on septic systems are still in limbo.

A third party is weighing in on a controversy over a proposed sewer project around Higgins Lake in Roscommon County.

A township in Antrim County is stepping up its septic regulations with an ordinance that only a few other Michigan counties and municipalities have.

Michigan is the only state that doesn’t have a statewide code for regulating septic systems, and past attempts to implement one have failed.

Local septic policies have traction, but demands for state codes are sticking around

In Michigan, the state estimates there are more than 330,000 failing septic tank systems. They could be contaminating lakes, rivers, and groundwater. State government agencies don’t have the authority to do much about that. And many homeowners don’t have the money to do much.

Many homes in rural areas of Michigan rely on septic systems, that is: individual wastewater treatment systems. One published report says up to one…