Septic systems are another
facet of development that may deteriorate water quality.
Septic systems are designed
to store and treat fecal waste.If systems are not properly maintained, back up can lead to increase
in nutrient loading and contamination of lake water.
Regulations have been
established that specify proper setback, volume, and location for these
systems in order to prevent adverse effects on water quality that they might
have.
Although no formal records
are kept of the types of systems that are currently in place in Canaan and
Skowhegan, it is known that inefficient systems are present within the
watershed, including primitive systems such as pit privies (outhouses).