Lost Island Lake was contaminated with bacteria traced to human waste. Swimming and boating was unsafe and fishing was questionable. Contamination was traced to inadequate septic tank drain fields..
The KPL Solution
Construct a sanitary sewer system to replace all the individual septic tanks. Remove the discharge of wastewater to the lake and surrounding ground water that fed the lake.
Work with the City of Ruthven to provide wastewater treatment as the economy of Ruthven depended on a viable Lost Island Lake community.
Develop equitable assessment procedures to spread the cost of both the collection and treatment systems to the Lost Island.
Results and Benefits
The system was construction in 1986—87. Since then the lake has shown dramatic improvement and the lake is being used for water contact recreation again.
Property values have increased dramatically and new subdivisions are forming.
The City of Ruthven is benefiting from the permanent and summer residents of the lake community.
Construct a sanitary sewer system to replace all the individual septic tanks. Remove the discharge of wastewater to the lake and surrounding ground water that fed the lake.
