Pollution

Sewage 

Bacteria from human and animal waste can cause diarrheal illnesses, rashes and other infectious diseases.   Property owners and boaters have a responsibility to properly dispose of their sewage to keep our lake safe for everyone to enjoy.

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Septic Systems

Proper maintenance of your septic system is crucial to the health of Herrington Lake.  Many times, people don't realize they have a problem until a release has already occurred.  Following these simple steps can help prevent sewage releases:

• Inspect your septic system annually and have it pumped out every three years

• Don't flush chemicals down the drain - they can kill the bacteria needed for the system to work properly

• Don't flush paper towels, cigarette butts, hygiene products, etc.  They can clog the system.

• Keep vehicles and heavy equipment off your drain field

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Holding Tanks

Herrington Lake is a no-discharge lake.  That means you are required by law to take your untreated septic waste to a pump out station.  Your waste will be transported from the pump out station to where it can be treated on land.  Using a pump out station is a simple and effective way to keep septic pollution out of the lake.  If you have a Type III MSD holding take, you must take your sewage to a pump out station!

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Animal Waste

Animal waste is a major source of nutrient pollution in the lake.  Following responsible management practices can minimize this impact:

• Do not allow animals to graze in or near streams, rivers and lakes

• Use a runoff control system to divert clean water away from grazing areas and manure piles

• Use a filter strip or vegetative strip to reduce organic matter in runoff water by as much as 96%

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HLCL has 4 dumpsters: 2 at Pandora and 1 at Kamp Kennedy, and 1 at Mid-lake for the use of disposing of man-made debris and trash from the lake.  Please note: cutting open foam loose in the water is not acceptable.