I looked over the Peachtree City presentation, “Hip Pocket Sewer Install,” with interest. Then I reviewed a couple of websites on septic systems in order to objectively consider both sides of this question.

I have lived in a houses with septic systems for 52 years. I have found the septic system to be safe, trouble-free and for less expense than monthly utility charges. The Peachtree City presentation appears to be based on premises I consider flawed. Below are the city’s five claims and my own experience and investigation.

1. Septic systems are temporary?

Any system that is not properly maintained is temporary. Will not the city sewer system require updates and maintenance in the future? A properly maintained septic system is not only much less expensive but more environmentally friendly than a city sewer system. Check any of the many websites about septic systems. Most drinking water contamination issues are caused by large spills from large systems. In fact the last sewage spill in Lake Peachtree was from a Peachtree City sewer line.

2. Increase property value?

Based on my personal experience, I prefer to buy a home with a septic system rather than a city sewer and its associated monthly charges. The current cost of a septic tank pump-out is $300. This is less than two months of the projected cost per home if the city forces a sewer hookup on the residents of Lake Peachtree.

My new cost will be $20,000 (construction) plus $1,700 (hookup) plus monthly sewer charges (double my current monthly water bill). Yikes, I could have my tank pumped six times a year and save money.

3. Maintenance provided by “Sewerage Authority” from street to the grinder pump.

I suggest you take a walk along some of the cart paths which share space with a sewer line. Sniff near some of those low-pressure grinder pumps and form your own opinion.

The plan shows sewer lines along the roads. Houses directly on the lake are below road level. Would each of these houses have to install their own grinder pump systems to raise their sewage up to road level and into the new sewer line?

When the city’s low-pressure grinder pump system fails and the system backs up, what keeps the system from filling the lower level of all those houses located downhill from the sewer line and directly on Lake Peachtree? Will this disaster be the responsibility of individual home owners?

4. Reduced risk of contamination entering Lake Peachtree?

Can the PTC planners provide proof of the “detrimental health consequences of septic systems.” Make sure the data is specific to a normal American community, current within the last 10 years.

The letter from the Fayette County Health Department, included in the presentation, addressed only repairs to septic systems and in no way implied any current hazard.

5. What possible motive could the city have other than that which was provided by the presentation?

PTC has been planning ahead for continued growth; this is good management. However, with the economic slowdown, growth in PTC has also come to a screeching slowdown. Should not this have been planned for as PTC is very near its planned population cap?

Does the city sewer system now have excess capacity? Is the city government just looking for more revenue?

In an economic slowdown it is wise to exercise a little frugality. Raising our water bills from $50 per month to $240 per month is an unconscionable hardship for our families. A system that is not broken should not be updated or “fixed” in hard times.

PTC government, please try to have a little sensitivity for the citizens who live in this beautiful city.

Bob Johnson

Peachtree City, Ga.