September 14–18, 2026, is SepticSmart Week, an annual effort to remind homeowners that taking care of their septic systems is an important part of protecting public health and our water resources.

For residents of the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes, septic system maintenance is especially important. A properly functioning septic system treats household wastewater before it reaches groundwater. When a system is poorly maintained or fails, bacteria, nutrients and other pollutants can enter groundwater and eventually make their way into nearby lakes and streams.

What Can Homeowners Do?

The good news is that regular maintenance and a few simple practices can help keep septic systems working properly and reduce the potential impact on our lakes.

Inspect and pump regularly. Have your septic system professionally inspected on a regular schedule and have the tank pumped when necessary. The appropriate schedule depends on the size of your tank, household use and other factors.

Conserve water. Spreading out laundry and other high-water-use activities and fixing leaking faucets or toilets can reduce the amount of water entering your septic system. Using water efficiently helps prevent the system from becoming overloaded.

Be careful what goes down the drain. Your septic system is designed to handle wastewater—not household chemicals or trash. Never flush wipes, even those labeled "flushable," and avoid putting grease, oils, paints, solvents, pesticides and other chemicals down the drain.

Protect your drain field. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment and structures off the drain field. Avoid directing roof drains or sump-pump discharge toward the area. Excess water can interfere with the system's ability to properly treat wastewater.

Know where your system is located. If you don't know the location of your septic tank and drain field, find out. Knowing where they are makes regular inspection and maintenance easier and helps prevent accidental damage.

Every Septic System MattersProtecting the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes requires all of us to do our part. Proper septic maintenance is one simple way homeowners can help reduce pollutants entering our groundwater and waterways.

This SepticSmart Week, take a few minutes to learn about your septic system—and make sure it is working for you and for the health of our lakes.
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For more information and septic-care resources like Michigan's Septic Replacement Loan Program, visit the EGLE SepticSmart webpage or the EPA septic website,

​The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are reminding consumers to not move firewood long distances this holiday weekend to help prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases. The agencies are also working to expand access to certified invasive-free firewood.
Firewood movement is one of the most common pathways for the spread of invasive insects and diseases. The Michigan Invasive Species Program’s longstanding “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign asks Michiganders to purchase firewood at or near their destination and choose certified products whenever possible. Certified invasive-free firewood has been heat-treated to neutralize invasive pests and diseases, making it safe to transport.
“Michigan’s forests, parks and natural areas are among our state’s most treasured assets,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “By choosing certified invasive-free firewood, consumers can play an important role in protecting those resources and preventing the spread of harmful pests and diseases.”
To expand the “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign, MDARD and DNR have teamed up to help Michigan producers and suppliers become certified through the Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program.

 
To expand the “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign, MDARD and DNR have teamed up to help Michigan producers and suppliers become certified through the Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program.
“Local producers who become certified show they care about Michigan’s forests and the future availability of wood products,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “They also help to provide consumers with a safe firewood option, no matter where they travel in the state.”
More than 140 pests and plant diseases can hitch a ride in untreated firewood, traveling hundreds of miles before emerging to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Many of these harmful pests, including hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt, are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy to transport unintentionally. Once established, these pests are extremely difficult or even impossible to eradicate.

Invasive species can:

• Threaten Michigan’s nearly $126 billion food and agriculture industry and $26 billion forest products industry.
• Kill native trees and plants and reduce biodiversity.
• Damage habitats critical for wildlife and recreational activities.
• Lead to quarantines or restrictions that affect local communities and businesses.

Properly heat-treating firewood eliminates these threats by destroying harmful invasive pests, helping protect Michigan’s natural and agricultural resources. Non-certified firewood should not be moved more than 10 miles from where it was originally cut.
Consumers are encouraged to look for Michigan’s “Certified Invasive Free” seal or the U.S. Department of Agriculture certification shield on packaging to ensure that firewood has been heat-treated to prevent invasive species spread.
Producers or suppliers who wish to become certified should reach out to the Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program.
For more information about actions Michigan is taking to combat the spread of invasive species, visit the Michigan Invasive Species Program web page. ​

What happens when Marble Lake neighbors get together for a block party? Marblepalooza! 🎶🎉Neighbors along North Lake Side Drive / Wayside Court recently came together for a fun-filled Marblepalooza Block Party enjoying great music, good friends, and plenty of time to celebrate what makes lake living so special.

But this party had an extra special purpose.

To help cover the cost of the band, organizers passed the hat and invited neighbors to contribute. Thanks to the generosity of those attending, the contributions exceeded what was needed and the neighbors decided to donate the excess to the Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership.

Now THAT is community spirit!

Instead of simply having a great party, these neighbors found a way to turn their celebration into an investment in the future of our lakes and watershed. It's a wonderful example of how fundraising for clean water doesn't always have to involve a formal event, a ticket price, or a big campaign. Sometimes, it can be as simple as neighbors getting together, having a great time, and giving what they can to a cause they care about.

A huge thank you to organizer Doug Keeslar for bringing everyone together and helping make Marblepalooza such a success — and to all of the neighbors who opened their wallets as well as their hearts to support the Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership.

We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and your belief in the importance of protecting our lakes.

Good friends. Great music. A fantastic party. And a little extra love for our lakes.
That's something worth celebrating!