Approximately 9,000 households in the Lake Monroe watershed rely on septic systems for treating sewage. But failing systems release nutrients and E. coli into nearby water bodies—posing a big pollution problem for Bloomington’s beloved reservoir.
Friends of Lake Monroe last month launched its Community Action Initiative, which they hope will garner support from impacted communities to improve water quality.
The group's watershed coordinator Maggie Sullivan said Wednesday that they had finances to help 60 households with septic maintenance costs. Most homeowners are unaware that septic tanks should be pumped every three years to maintain functionality, Sullivan said.
“Our hope is that this plan will help motivate and will also bring some money into our community to help fund projects like addressing failing septic systems, helping farmers adopt conservation practices, restoring natural vegetation along our streams,” Sullivan said.
A virtual workshop on septic system maintenance is set for Thursday, March 31 at 7 p.m. This first step toward reducing septic pollution is hosted by Friends of Lake Monroe and the Monroe County Health Department.
Board member Mary Madore notes one of the initiative’s goals is to provide education on how residents can serve themselves and the surrounding environment by creating a healthy water supply.
“In order for our community to be a vibrant growing community, we have to have a good, safe water supply,” Mary Madore said Wednesday. “Nobody wants a water supply that you can't afford. Nobody wants a water supply that is going to make you sick.”
Sullivan, the watershed coordinator, says the organization is anticipating a larger grant this fall which would turn the project into a three-year program. The nine-month initiative is funded by the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County and the Monroe County Stormwater Board.
“We don't have another place to make another reservoir,” Madore said. “This is it. So, we've got to take care of it.”
