Cottages on Walloon Lake are more than an investment – they are a family legacy. With sparse & humble beginnings over a century ago where small bungalows lined the shore, numerous beautiful cottages now host generations taking advantage of the pristine beauty of the lake.
Amongst the serenity of this paradise is sometimes a reminder of a process below, that thing we don’t talk about – the septic. Unlike the flushing anonymity of the city, on-site wastewater is a reality of cottage life that can ruin your vacation if not properly maintained and managed.
Many properties still have the original septic tank that has worked beautifully for decades, but all septic systems have a lifespan and eventually fail – it’s just a matter of time. Wastewater carries a thick heavy organic load to the soil, it can only take so much before it’s overly saturated. When this happens the sewage cannot go down any longer and appears on the surface, in the lawn and eventually makes it’s way down to the lake itself with no alternative. When this happens it is truly a crisis. Health and safety become paramount as these pools contain dangerous bacteria and viruses that can transfer to bare feet, create terrible odors and ruin the very quality that makes Walloon Lake such a natural treasure.
Most lots are very small and will not qualify for a permit to repair, replace or relocate the drainfield. County officials regularly deny requests as they will not satisfy current codes. The options are limited to bringing in large machinery to re-build (that will surely destroy mature landscaping) or convert the system entirely to a holding tank and bear the cost of weekly clean-out with a pump truck, forever.
In 1998 the EPA determined that 27% of homes in the USA were served by aging septic systems and challenged the engineering community to discover reasonable treatment alternatives.
Aerobic Bacteria Generator’s were developed to introduce a group of powerful natural aerobic bacteria into the septic tank where waste can be digested before it ever goes to the soil. This group of safe bacteria loves the slime that clogs the soil eating right through it restoring percolation by allowing the liquid to move safely underground. In many situations the existing leachfields are too close to the shoreline, or they are simply too small for the current or planned future use.
With an ABG in the septic tank the treated water is now so pure alternative methods of disposal are permitted. The clear, safe and now odor-free water is rich in plant nutrients. Sub-surface landscape irrigation eliminates the need for the use of potable water and fertilization with environmentally harmful chemicals can be a thing of the past. Nitrogen and phosphorus, which are a serious problem on the lake front, are now consumed as nutrients by the vegetation.
Fixing the problem
Over 95% of failed septic fields can be remediated avoiding costly replacement.
Lawns are enviously green and rich, the entire system can be located up at the driveway side of the house away from the lake maximizing curbside appeal. You’ve probably seen them and wondered how that yard looks so wonderful, flourishing & healthy in a dry season. Sub-surface drip irrigation, that’s how.
SludgeHammer Group, Ltd leads the industry nationwide in these technologies specializing in lake front properties and cottages. Qualified properties can now enjoy worry-free enjoyment of Walloon Lake for generations to come as lifetime guarantees are placed with confidence. No-obligation professional evaluations are available to all homeowners by calling 231.348.5866 or email at info@sludgehammer.net.
As a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau, SludgeHammer Group, Ltd gains your business the old fashioned way – by earning it.
