Ohop Lake Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program
We have been working closely with Pierce Conservation District over the past year in monitoring our lake water quality. Attached is a report completed by Isabel Ragland, Pierce Conservation District Water Quality Senior Program Manager, addressing and explaining the outcome of our efforts over this past and comparison years as well as providing suggestions for improvement of our overall lake health. 2021_ohop_lake_report_-_isabel_ragland.pdf
Toxic algae outbreaks continue to be a worsening issue not only for OHOP LAKE, but in other Pierce County lakes. This brochure from the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department helps to explain the problem. Lake treatment announcementTreatment date: To be announced
Shorelines will be marked in treated areas. Treatment Announcement for 2023: Considering Septic, Outhouse, Gray Water Drainage?If a property on Ohop Lake (Pierce County) changes legal owners an existing septic tank must be pumped and inspected along with the drain field. Results of the inspection are passed on to the Pierce County Health Department for final determination. Existing septic tanks on Ohop Lake are grandfathered in as long as they pass a visual inspection and are operating properly during normal servicing. Anti-Bacterial soap, powdered detergents, bleach, medicines, particularly antibiotics should never be introduced into a septic system on Ohop Lake. They will kill the beneficial bacteria in a septic system and eventually find their way into the lake.
Should the cost of a septic system be cost prohibitive, a property owner can install a holding tank, usually the 1200-gallon variety. As with a septic tank a holding tank would collect all waste up to and including gray water. Installation costs run about $5000.00 which includes permits, labor, hook-ups and holding tank. Property would need to be backhoe accessible. Full-time family usage would require weekly to semi-monthly service. On those properties with ancient outhouse facilities, a simple solution is a Honey Bucket. Honey Buckets can be leased ($115.00 per month including monthly service) or they can be purchased outright for about $250.00 and be serviced on an as needed basis (about $65.00). Property owners wishing to install septic systems and or holding tanks may be able to get financing through Craft 3 Loans (information available on the website), USDA Rural Development Washington and in some cases the Pierce County Housing Authority. |
OUTDATED SEPTIC SYSTEM?Did you know there are loans available for replacing outdated septic systems? Clean water loans or matching funds may be available for septic repairs or replacements Here are some resources for more information:
USDA Rural Development Washington | Rural Development (usda.gov) 360-704-7760 Craft 3 www.craft3.org/Borrow/clean-water-loans 888-231-1270 |