Why are septic systems a problem?
If your home is near the shore of Lake Pend Oreille, it is particularly important to maintain your septic system properly because soil and water conditions near the shore 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 should not be poured down the drain.

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.

Inadequate treatment can also allow excess nutrients to reach the lake or tributaries, promoting algae or weed growth.  Algal blooms and abundant weeds not only make the lake unpleasant for swimming and boating, but they 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?
Lake Assessment System (Lake*A*Syst) is a voluntary program designed to help you protect Lake Pend Oreille by reducing pollution risks associated with the release of toxic wastewater potentially carrying disease causing pathogens and chemicals into Lake Pend Oreille and your drinking water.

1. Use the factsheet and the associated worksheet (highlighted in yellow) to assess your property for drinking water pollution risks.

2. Review the Action Checklist (at the back of the worksheet summary) to inventory contamination sources, and to help you.

3. Take Action to protect the Lake, by using Best Management Practices found in Lake*A*Syst.

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 Fact/Worksheet

Further Reading

• Burns, Max, Cottage Water Systems, Cottage Life Books, Canada, 1999

• Stewart, John Cary, Drinking Water Hazards, Envirograghics, 1999

• Wilson, R. Dodge, Builders guide to Wells and Septic Systems, McGraw-Hill,1996