Biggest Problem with Septic Systems: Ignorance

Last night the Lake Herman Sanitary District board discussed septic systems with Brad Benson of Royal Flush, a septic tank pumper from over by Chester. Big thanks to Brad for coming to share his professional expertise and his experiences pumping around Lake Herman (not to mention a couple gross stories -- such is the nature of the job!)

The most important thing he had to say: the biggest problem with septic tanks is ignorance. A lot of homeowners just don't know how a septic system works or what it takes to keep them working. If people are educated, they can keep their septic tanks working fine for a long time. If people don't know how their septic system works, they start doing things like planting trees in the drainfield or throwing rabbits in the tank. A few minutes of education can translate into years of happy septic tank operation.

I couldn't agree more. The sanitary district has some septic tank tips available online. The board also decided last night to assemble some septic tank information for a mailing to review at our next meeting (Wed, May 28, 6:30 p.m., Madison Public Library). We'll put together a small packet of info (Charlie and Larry will keep me from writing a book!) and, pending a formal vote at the next meeting, send it out to everyone around Lake Herman this summer.

We talked about inspection regimes. Brad mentioned that a professional associate of his in Wisconsin said that that state requires everyone to pump their tanks every two years. He noted that Wisconsin also mandates a mound system, which requires more maintenance than the typical drainfield system. A required inspection/pumping regime here might be able to work on a longer timeframe.

But we agreed last night that education is a better first step than getting out the stick. Besides, we're not particularly eager to get into the law enforcement business. We'll look through some information, then probably spend some money on stamps to put something in your mailbox this summer.