Save the Lake Tips

SAVE THE LAKE TIPS

PHOSPHORUS POLLUTION REDUCTION TIPS

• Properly maintain your septic system, especially by pumping every few years.
• Wash your car with non-phosphorus and biodegradable soap on your lawn rather than on your driveway so that excess water and detergents can soak into the grass.
• Test your lawn and garden soil before fertilizing. Michigan Laws prohibit the use of phosphorus fertilizers.
• Do not rake your yard waste, including leaves, into lake or canals. Leave grass clippings as mulch on your lawn. If you rake weeds, remove them from the lake.
• Properly maintain your septic system, especially by pumping it out every few years.
• Pick up and dispose of pet waste in the garbage.
• Do not dump sewage from your boat or home directly into the Lake.
• Eliminate or reduce the application of pesticides on your lawn and garden.
• Keep cars and boats in good working order to eliminate oil and fluid leaks.
• Do not pour chemicals or motor oil down storm drains or into your septic system.
• Upgrade to a more environmentally-friendly outboard motor. New 4-stroke and direct fuel injection motors pollute less.
• Use environmentally sound cleaning products, such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice to in and around your home.
• Do not use anti-freeze or other chemicals to keep ice fishing holes open.
• Recycle batteries and fluorescent light bulbs.
• Do not flush medications and pharmaceuticals down the toilet. They should be discarded in the trash, or brought to a pharmacy drop-off location.
• Properly dispose of mercury-bearing items, including non-digital thermometers and thermostats, and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

SEPTIC SYSTEM INFORMATION

• General information about how septic systems work, and septic system care and maintenance:

Septic Systems article

• Septic system permits for Ogemaw County are handled by the Michigan District Health Department #2 (DHD2) 1-800-504-2650:

DHD2 Septic System information