In the City of Houghton, most homes and businesses are connected to the Houghton sewer system.   However, in Portage township, most homes and businesses have septic tanks.   Although properly functioning septic systems are not a concern, many of the septic tanks in the watershed are old and their condition unknown.   It is speculated that some of them are cesspools, undersized, have more than one house on a system or are leaking or in need of repair.   Some homes with septic systems are located within 50 feet of the stream as it flows through Dakota Heights and into the waterfront park.  

There is currently no evidence that there is direct contamination of the stream from these systems.   However, an unnoticed failure could release E coli and cloriforms directly into the stream, which would create a health concern at the Waterfront Park.   It is difficult to rely on infrequent monitoring of E coli for protection as that only captures conditions at the time samples are taken.   Removing the risk of a problem is just as important.   In the case of homes served by septic systems in Dakota Heights, the best way to remove the risk may be by allowing homes with failing septic systems to connect to the Houghton sewer system.

Developing the Huron Creek Watershed Management Plan