Water Quality
An important part of the VanEtten Lake Association is to “actively work toward the improvement and protection of Van Etten Lake and its surrounding environment”. The ad hoc VELA Water Quality Committee monitors water quality in VanEtten Lake throughout the summer months.
Water Quality
​Our summer water quality monitoring program includes participation in the Michigan Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP): Volunteers participate in CLMP—a partnership between EGLE, and the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association—to take basic water quality measures in VanEtten Lake from May through September.
Volunteer committee members must be members of the VanEtten Lake Association. Anyone interested in serving on the Water Quality Committee should contact Adam Romatz at admanius@pm.me.
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Notices from State Agencies
USAF - Wurtsmith
AFB Violation Notice
Notice from the district Health Dept regarding foam found in the lake and recent testing by the DEQ
9-1-2017
DHHS Contractor - Abiy Mussa - MussaA@michigan.gov - 517- 335 - 0002.
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Phospherouse Reports
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Drinking Water Wells Near the Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base
April 2017
Simple tips for homeowners
Protect it and inspect it
Homeowners should generally have their system inspected every three years by a qualified professional or according to their state or local health department's recommendations. Tanks should be pumped when necessary, typically every three to five years.
Don't strain your drain
Be water-efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products. Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day - too much water at once can overload a system that hasn't been pumped recently.
Test your drinking water well
If septic systems aren't properly maintained, leaks can contaminate well water. Testing your drinking water well is the best way to ensure your well water is free from contaminates.
Think at the sink
Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down the drain. These substances can clog a system's pipes and drainfield.
Shield your field
Remind guests not to park or drive on a system's drainfield, where the vehicle's weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow.
Don't overload the commode
Only put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. For example, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, and cat litter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems.
Pump your tank
Routinely pumping your tank can prevent your septic system from premature failure, which can lead to groundwater contamination.