Mason County has a lot of area that is not on a sewer system. Our broker invited a couple of guys to come to our staff meeting today and talk to us about the many different kinds of systems that are used in our County. It is rare now-a-days to have a gravity flow system installed. Increasingly we are seeing these fancy systems that are true private waste treatment centers that can adjust to all sorts of different conditions. Some of the new mound systems put out by Glendon are showing up in my neighborhood. A few years ago I had not even heard of these new systems. There are also sand filter systems and ATUs (aerobic treatment units).
Right now I have listed several vacant lots in various places around Mason County, and was grateful to have a refresher on septic systems. Potential buyers are almost always full of questions about septic systems, especially if they are coming from a place where sewers are more common. I’ve gone to classes before, but it is wonderful to brush up on all the details. I had time to ask some questions outside of the meeting about a recent listing of mine. I have a property that has this great high-bank waterfront lot on one side of the street, and on the other side is another lot that is to be sold with it. The additional lot on the other side of the street is where the County has approved a design for the septic system. Did you know that they don’t have to break into the paved road to install the system across the street? I learned that it is now possible to drill under the road for quite a distance to install the necessary pipes to the system. Good news.
I live with a pressure system, and I understand that kind of system. I am not as experienced with these new systems, like the Glendon. Thank goodness our county published a great manual all about septic systems, and their “care and feeding.” I find the treatment process fascinating. It is kind of cool to know that nature has provided a “waste treatment” process that we humans can learn, and create in our yards by understanding the process. There are people who get really excited about this stuff and are constantly thinking of new and better ways to take advantage of nature’s ways.
Mason County has a lot of water: Hood Canal, the Sound, lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, creeks, and a good water table. We are learning to take better care of all this water. Hood Canal has suffered from our ignorance in the past, and there are sections of the canal that are considered “dead zones” because of the abuses from our past mistakes. Potential home builders can get frustrated and angry about the requirements concerning their property, and the cost, so we do try to educate them in regard to the reasons for good septic systems, appropriate to their particular properties.
To be a professional real estate agent in Mason County, you need a good working knowledge of septic systems. It helps to know what you are looking for when you dig that perk hole, for example, as well as the necessary set backs from waterfront, how far away you must stay from your well, and things like that. I am grateful that my latest listing already has an approved septic design.
Tags: Mason County, septic, septic systems
