Auburn considers updated septic standards for Lake Auburn watershed

SUN JOURNAL • January 12, 2022

Auburn city officials are considering updates to the septic design standard in the Lake Auburn watershed, after a recent study showed a new standard could help keep harmful nutrients out of the lake. The proposal, however, is likely to rekindle debate over development in the watershed. City staff members said this week that if the proposed standard were used, it would likely make it easier for new systems to be installed and new homes to be built, but said the better-performing systems could achieve a “net improvement” to the lake even with additional systems installed. The lake is the source of drinking water for Auburn and Lewiston.