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 the lake or canals. Leave grass clippings as mulch on your lawn. If you rake weeds, remove them from the lake.
- 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 four-stroke and direct fuel injection motors pollute less.
- Use environmentally sound cleaning products, such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice in and around your home.
- Do not use antifreeze 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 system permits for Ogemaw County are handled by the Michigan District Health Department #2 (DHD2) 1-800-504-2650: DHD2 septic system information
