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Page 3 If you're building a new home, construct the septic system as far away from the shoreline as possible. This distance should be even farther than health department codes require. Those regulations are designed primarily to protect human health rather than prevent other effects, such as excessive weed growth. Contaminants, especially nutrients, can easily travel farther than those minimum distances in some soil conditions. Try putting the septic system in front of the house, away from the lake. Also, design the system to meet your present as well as future needs. If, for example, you are building a small summer home with plans to enlarge and convert it to year-round use when you retire, design the septic system to accommodate that increased future use. Where to Go For Help For advice about your septic system's operation, condition or possible alternatives, contact your local health department, your county Extension office or the MSU Agricultural Engineering Department.

MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Cooperative Extension Service Programs are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or religion. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics. acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture, J Ray Gillespie, extension director, Cooperative Extension Service, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service or bias against those not mentioned. This bulletin becomes public property upon publication with credit to MSU. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department oh Agriculture, Extension Service, under special project number (89-EWQI-9142).