Septic upgrades in Chico are working

Keeping in mind the health of their septic systems directly effects the health of Kitsap Lake and the Chico Bay watershed, about 75 residents have worked with the Kitsap Health District for the past year to improve both.

On Thursday, the community will get an update on their efforts at a meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Kitsap Lake Elementary Library, 1111 Carr Blvd., Bremerton.

Over the year, residents have learned how their septic system works and how to get the most life out of the system, said Mindy Fohn, of the Health District’s water quality program.

About 85 percent of Kitsap Lake shoreline residents served by septic systems have participated in a door-to-door sanitary survey. In addition to an inspection of their septic systems, residents also received education and technical assistance about septic system operation and maintenance and impacts of failing systems on lake water quality. Residents on Chico Bay whose properties were adjacent to fecal coliform contaminated areas participated in the project as well.

Six of the septic systems were judged as failing and five of those have since been repaired.

She likens a septic system to a “remote stomach,” the health of which is affected by what is put down the drain.

Kitsap Lake is one of the more polluted lakes in the county, she said.

Pat Kirschbaum of the Kitsap County Surface and Stormwater Management program will present “Minimizing Our Impact to Natural Drainage Systems” and Dave Peters of Kitsap County Public Works will present “Healthy Lawns Start with Healthy Soil: Learn How to Grow Great Grass the Way Nature Intended.”

The Health District is continuing to monitor

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