Sewer or septic? Each has its drawbacks. The sewers are sending far too much fresh water into Puget Sound. The septic tanks put liquids back in the ground, but also with contaminants from detergents, chemical cleaners, and drug use – legal or not.

The past thirty years have seen water quality in our rivers, streams and lakes degrading. The huge crowds that used to swim in Spanaway Lake are gone. Summers often have signs posted to stay out of the water. American, Steilacoom, Wapato and other lakes have similar issues. What goes in the ground, if it is liquid, eventually moves.

Since the County already controls how sewer water is treated, they are now coming after everyone with a septic tank. There will be more frequent checks to make sure your system is functioning properly. That also means, more cost. For some, there will be assistance programs. to get this work done, so keep your ears and feelers out for those opportunities. Septic tank services are not cheap. (Neither are sewer repairs!)

The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) has information on their website about septic systems. They have a plan to start checking systems every two years. At $500 or so to open and check, that is a heavy burden for many. It is far worse if you have a failed system that needs replacing. It can easily cost $8000 to $12,000. Yes, ouch.

Because of all the special focus on Spanaway Lake with its new Lake Management District and the OST System they are planning to install soon. (OST=Oxygen Saturation Technology) The system is a big-ticket item to try to stop the toxic algae blooms. It will inject oxygen into the bottom layer of the lake to prevent nutrient release from the sediments. It is hoped this will improve water quality and reduce the need for chemical treatments.

The plan: *increase dissolved oxygen, *reduce phosphorus levels, * suppress cyanobacteria

In the meantime, if you have a septic and you are tagged by the Health Department to get a septic inspection, make sure you ask whether you qualify for any assistance.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) offers several financial assistance programs for septic owners, including discounts on inspections, pumping, and repairs. Here are the key details:

• Discounts on Inspections: Key Peninsula residents can receive $125 off routine septic inspections, $125 off riser installation, $200 off tank pumping, and $500 off minor repairs. 
• Loan Programs: TPCHD provides loans for septic repairs, replacements, or sewer connections through various programs, including Craft3 Clean Water Loan and USDA Rural Development loans. 
• Financial Assistance for Inspections: Eligible property owners can receive up to a 1-year extension for inspections and may qualify for financial assistance if they have not received an inspection notification. 
• Online Applications: An electronic process is available for final septic inspections, and a demonstration of the online portal is scheduled. 
• Contact Information: For assistance, contact TPCHD at (253) 649-1421 or email OMFA@tpchd.org. 

These programs aim to help septic owners manage their costs and maintain their systems effectively, ensuring safe and clean water for the community.