Platte Lake’s water quality depends on all of us. Homes around the lake rely heavily on septic systems to safely treat wastewater. When systems are poorly maintained, aging, overloaded, or failing, nutrients and bacteria can enter groundwater and eventually reach the lake.

Excess nutrients — especially phosphorus and nitrogen — can contribute to:

• Algae growth
• Poor water clarity
• Excessive aquatic weeds
• Reduced oxygen for fish and wildlife
• Harmful bacteria contamination

The proper use and routine maintenance of septic systems are vitally important to watershed protection. To protect the health of our lakes and streams, it is critically important that people who live within the watershed’s boundary regularly inspect and maintain their septic systems.

You have to be careful what you pour down the drain or flush down the toilet. Even properly functioning septic systems can allow harmful chemicals and damaging nutrients to seep into the ground where they can make their way to surface water and even drinking water.

Nothing works perfectly forever. Even septic systems have a life span.  But you can make that septic system last longer. Both old and new septic systems will last a long time if the microbes in the tank and drain field are not subjected to harsh chemicals and pharmaceuticals that kill the good bacteria that treat incoming wastewater. 

Consequently, newer systems can fail early if what is put down the drain is harmful or the volume of wastewater entering overpowers the system.  

On the contrary, both old and new septic systems can function well for a long time if what is put down the drain is not harmful to the microbes that treat the wastewater. Also, if the volume of wastewater matches the size of the system, this will bode well for its longevity.

But in the end, all drain fields – new and old will reach an endpoint where the soils and the microbes have lost their ability to treat wastewater properly and a new drain field will need to replace the old one.  A happy drain field should last around 25 years or more.

Protecting septic systems is one of the most important things shoreline property owners can do to help preserve Platte Lake for future generations.

Why This Area Is Vulnerable

Many properties around Platte Lake have:

• Sandy, highly permeable soils that allow faster movement of contaminants

• High water tables, especially near the lake and wetlands

• Older septic systems that may not meet current standards

These conditions can reduce the natural filtering capacity of the soil, increasing the risk that contaminants reach drinking water wells.

Why This Matters for Our Lake Community

The health of Platte Lake—and the safety of our drinking water—depends on collective stewardship by property owners around the lake. Even one failing septic system can affect neighboring properties, groundwater, and ultimately the lake itself. By maintaining your system, you:

• Protect drinking water
• Preserve property values
• Support recreation (swimming, fishing, boating)
• Help prevent costly environmental restoration efforts

Key Takeaways

1. A septic system is a critical environmental and public health safeguard
2. It protects both Platte Lake and your private well water
3. Regular inspection, pumping, and testing are essential and relatively inexpensive
4. Failure to maintain a system can lead to water contamination, illness, and high replacement costs
5. Proactive care protects both your investment and the lake we all share