The Water Column 

The Friday, October 23 issue of the Echo Press had a front page article titled “Next Generation of Protecting Lakes” It details the expansion project for the Alexandria lakes Area Sanitary District.  This infrastructure improvement project will help ALASD meet increasingly stringent wastewater discharge standards. It is an 80 million dollar investment in keeping our waterways clean and suitable for recreation.  ALASD arose in the 1970’s from a concern that the quality of our lakes was degrading. The update will replace some original aging equipment and improve reclamation technology and accommodate future growth through 2045. As ALASD executive director Scott Gilbertson noted:

 “This will position ALASD among the more technologically advanced municipal wastewater treatment facilities in Minnesota and in the United States.”


In that article, Gilbertson points out that the develop of ALASD helped eliminate numerous failing septic systems that were contributing to pollution of area lakes.  Indeed, ALASD has played a key role in the progress of water-quality. As director Gilbertson summarizes: 

“This Water Reclamation Facility Improvement Project represents the next generation of our commitment to protecting area lakes and waterways. By producing exceptionally high-quality, potentially reusable treated water and further reducing nutrient discharges, we are investing in the long-term environmental health of our region.” 


AMEN to that! And kudos to the ALASD board, staff, and customers for this forward thinking upgrade.


Unfortunately, ALASD only services about 15% of the land area of Douglas County. The rest of that area relies on roughly 7000 Sub Surface Treatment Systems (SSTS) also known as a septic system. Residents without access to municipal treatment system plants own, operated and maintain their very own “mini-treatment plants.”


Proper treatment of sewage recycles water back into the natural environment with reduced health risks to humans and animals and prevents surface and ground water contamination. The complete septic system is made up of three primary components: Plumbing: sewage collection; Septic tank: primary treatment of all water used in the home; and Soil treatment area: final treatment and dispersal of septic tank effluent. 


You should know where these components are located on your parcel. You should know if they are in good working condition. Too often when we pull the drain plug or flush the toilet, waste water goes “out of sight out of mind”. It is important to understand how your “mini-treatment plant” works and maintain it. Many people assume that as long as their used water “goes away” their system must be working properly. However poorly designed, installed, outdated or malfunctioning septic systems are actually a threat to water quality. 


Many homes or cabins in our lakes area were built before standards for sewage treatment were enforced. Old straight-pipe discharges, surfacing systems, cesspools, drywells, or other non-watertight tanks, or systems without the necessary aerobic conditions for final treatment continue to threaten water quality.  Find out where your used water goes.  If your system doesn’t fully treat effluent, replace it.



Here are some best management practices that can help you understand and maintain your system:


Be mindful of water use.  Repair leaks, use low-water-use appliance and fixtures

Don’t overload the system - spread water use throughout the day.

Minimize the use of harsh cleaners, bleach, antibacterial soaps.

Do not dispose of paints, medications, or chemicals through your septic system

Keep grease, lint, food, hygiene products and plastics out of your septic system.


Pump/clean solids from the tank’s maintenance hole regularly (at least 3 years)

Manage access to maintenance hole.

Have baffles inspected at time of cleaning.

Inspect or install effluent screen and service as necessary.

Do not use tank additives or cleaners.


Maintain vegetative cover over soil treatment area

Keep heavy vehicles off area.

Do not plant trees, shrubs or deep rooted plants near soil treatment area.

Do not grow vegetables or local playgrounds above the area.


For more information, pick up the pamphlet “Getting to Know Your Septic System - for Residents of the Long Prairie Watershed” outside the Land and Resources Management Office.


Also review how to care for your system here: https://www.epa.gov/septic/septic-system-care-and-maintenance


As our population continues to grow and the demand for natural resources increases, society’s expectations that sewage be responsibly treated and returned to the environment also increase.  It is up to all of us to take care of our waste water.



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