Septic cure isn't easy

For most people within the city limits of Cape Girardeau, dealing with sewage is as simple as a quick flush. That's because almost everyone enjoys, without even thinking about it, a connection to the city's sewer lines.

Almost everyone.

City officials recently looked into the matter, knowing there were still some septic systems being used. They found that there are 333 structures in the city limits using septic systems, which sends sewage into a containers buried underground. Effluent from the septic tank goes into the surrounding soil through underground pipes.

The septic systems have city officials worried. That's because they say that eventually all of the septic systems in Cape Girardeau will fail. Sooner or later, lines will get clogged. Sometimes the soil reaches its absorption capacity and can no longer soak up the sewage. These are valid public health concerns.

It's not like the septic systems are new, city leaders point out. Many of them were installed when the buildings they serve were outside the city limits. Through gradual annexations, the city has since taken in those areas.

Both Mayor Jay Knudtson -- who called septic systems "barbaric" -- and public health official Ann Elledge say the answer is to connect these buildings to city sewers.

This may be more difficult than it sounds. Such an endeavor won't be cheap. A city study estimated it would cost $4.6 million to extend sewers to all 333 structures. Of course, that estimate doesn't include related costs such as lift stations, service connections and pavement repairs.

The city would have to pay the initial costs, and then the residents could repay the money over 10 years through tax billings. Regardless, the city doesn't have that kind of money right now anyway.

One solution is to do the work in phases.

Another potentially more viable one is to wait until an actual problem arises. After all, few problems have been reported to the city so far.

Most everyone agrees these are situations that need to be addressed. But the cost is a big roadblock to fixing the problem. Many of these septic tanks will likely last a long time. They be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. And some residents who use septic tanks don't want to be forced to connect to city sewers.

These are tough economic times for the city. Every problem, especially one that may not present difficulties for years, cannot be dealt with immediately. This may be one of those instances.