Michigan legislation would help homeowners pay for failing septic systems
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 dont have the authority to do much about that. And many homeowners dont have the money to do much.
Cindy Krohn and her husband are on fixed incomes. Five years ago, they were in the process of buying a home in Linwood, a small unincorporated community on Lake Hurons Saginaw Bay.
We noticed there was some drainage coming out from the crawlspace. The inspector found that and they then drained and cleaned out the septic tank, and we thought that was everything that needed to be done because then it was fine for a few months, Krohn said.
But then, they noticed a sewer smell every time they did the laundry.
The system is failing. At a minimum, it will cost $10,000 and up to $20,000. Krohn said they dont have that kind of money and cant afford a loan. All they can do is have the septic tank pumped out every few months.
Read more: https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/michigan-legislation-would-help-homeowners-pay-failing-septic-systems