Suddenly showers became an indoor convenience. Perhaps a washing machine or a dishwasher was installed. Add an additional heating system and the summer could be extended by a month or two. Some folks decided to stay all year.

Where to put all the extra "gray" water? It would certainly overload that woefully inadequate septic system. The small lot size couldn’t be changed, so some people rerouted it under the stairs or under a pile of leaves. Perhaps they dug a hole in the ground and covered it with soil and stones. Worse yet, some returned it directly to the lake where its soapy warmth provided nourishment for plants and created cloudy, bubbly masses known as algae. (Note: Foamy water typically stirred up by wind should not be mistaken for soapsuds).

Well, we’ve come a long way, baby. This may or may not be a common practice, but it is in violation of the law. Gray wastewater not included in the sewerage system must not be rerouted back into the lake. Unquestionably, this poses a problem to many with small lots. Even modernizing the septic system may not fill the bill.

Plumbing codes have changed a lot over the past seventy years; in the past two years alone, specs for water supply setbacks and types of disposal areas have changed. Gone are cesspools, leaching pits, and V- planked trenches. But there are simple methods of dealing with this problem A separate "primitive" disposal system can be constructed to receive gray water and it need not be large.

If any of these situations apply, you should check first with a plumbing inspector for current information. New systems need permits and a site evaluator must check plans. But Code Enforcement Officers encourage any system which reroutes water away from the lake. Or if we can help, please call.

Shoreland zoning has become much more stringent for the betterment and protection of our lakes. Without good water, our camps will be worth very little. To find out more about this, pick up a copy of Shoreland Zoning Laws from the Poland Town Office…it gives you all the do’s and dont’s. Or write to