Historically, polluted water has been one of the major causes of disease. Since the turn of the century, water-borne diseases have been drastically reduced almost to the point of nonexistence in this country. This is due to development of standards and water treatment procedures designed to make water safe for household and recreational use.
The County of Oakland is unique in that it contributes to the headwaters for five different watersheds and five river tributaries.
Oakland County's recreational water resources are monitored on a regular basis. These include the public bathing and numerous private beaches on our inland lakes and all public swimming pools. Citizens are provided information and resources to do their own beach monitoring.
In 1995, the Oakland County Sanitary Code, Article II became effective. The regulation limits septic tank effluent threatening our groundwater resources through density control. The article is based upon scientific data and trends developing in Oakland County.
On February 1, 1998, the Drinking Water Supply Program: Well Protection and Education Code (Article X) became effective. The purpose of this program is to allow for the issuance of permits for new well construction and inspection of private wells, as well as educate the citizens of Oakland County who utilize ground water for drinking. An on-site well application fee for a new installation is $150.00. The fee for a replacement well or extensive repair application is $80.00.
