On septic tanks and ‘red tide’: News published in The Palm Beach Post.

In the print edition this week the Post picked up big news by reporter Mark Young, an urban affairs reporter at the Bradenton Herald headlined, “Septic tank bill revived in House”. Two excerpts with emphasis added:


To what extent septic tanks are contributing to the overall problem [red tide] remains up for debate, but there’s enough scientific research in place that warrants attention, and it’s something that the Legislature can act upon now, Robinson [State House Rep. Will Robinson] said.

and. . .

While the original law [in 2010] was in effect, one report was filed with the state in 2011 that indicated out of the estimated 2.6 million septic tanks in Florida, fewer than 1 percent were being inspected and serviced by a licensed maintenance professional. In most cases, the report states, “They are only inspected after failure.”

“They are only inspected
after failure.”

Does anyone know for certain how many septic tanks are near Lake Osborne in unincorporated Palm Beach County? How many homes in the City of Lake Worth are still on septic?

The good news is. . .

A map is being compiled for the location of all septic tanks in this City and surrounding suburban areas outside the City as well. Click on this link to learn more. The water tables are very low in the vicinity of Lake Osborne. For the safety of children and public health all those septic tanks need to be inspected for safety before there is a septic tank failure.

Martin County is just fine with septic tanks. But that doesn’t mean Palm Beach County should be just fine with septic tanks too.