This month I thought it makes sense to share some updates on a few issues with LAKE magazine but before I do that, here’s what you will find in this issue’s editorial offerings.
We take a look at the topic of watersheds and the importance of protecting them because of their important role in assuring the quality of water in the county, be it your underground or surface waters. In the case of Oakland, we sit at the headwaters for a number of major rivers that run through not only our county but into several neighboring ones. Eventually these rivers empty into part of the Great Lakes and the Detroit River, which is where the region draws its water for delivery to your homes if you are on a municipal water system.
The September issues also takes a look at the topic of septic systems, most prevalent in the western and northern parts of the county, where sewers may not be available, although there are some areas in Bloomfield Township and the Rochester area where individual residential waste disposal systems are still relied upon. Of the three county lakes on which I have resided in the past, two – Long Lake straddling Commerce and White Lake townships and White Lake which straddles White Lake and Highland townships – sewers were not available so I learned that as a homeowner you need to be aware of how to maintain your system.
Unfortunately, there are a large number of failing septic systems which can pose problems for local lakes so we also look at whether Michigan, as the only state that does not require inspections of septic systems, is any closer to adopting regulations along those lines.
In terms of updates at the publishing group and LAKE magazine, here are a few items of note.
Cover contributions: We asked in our July issue if any of the lake residents had photos that might make a good cover for LAKE magazine in the future. A good number of readers have taken time to send us photos as attachments to emails at LAKEphotos@downtownpublications.com. Finding photos that will work on the cover is a bit more of a challenge than what one would think because we have to allow for an address label, story headlines and a logo for the publication, which starts to narrow the entries somewhat. We did just receive some promising photos, one of which will be used in the next couple of months. But please keep your contributions coming. If we use one of your photos for a cover, you will get credit and a check for $100.
Lakeside dining directory: We are starting to compile, for an issue next spring, a guide to waterfront restaurants and bars in Oakland County and could use your help. Hard to believe that there is not one source where someone can review a list of all the dining options on lakes. Although we are making progress, we want to make sure that our directory of lakefront restaurants and bars is complete, which is where you come in. If the lake on which you live has a restaurant or bar on the waterfront, send me an email with the name of the establishment and lake it is on. My thanks in advance.
LAKE website: If you have not visited the magazine’s website (lakemagazine.media), you may find some useful information there. Aside from the editorial content from the magazine, we also provide direct links to about a dozen organizations that are involved with lake-related issues in case you need assistance or want to get involved. Further, you will find on our home page a direct link to the weekly lake level reports for the lakes under control of the Oakland Water Resources Commissioner's office, and a direct link to beach closures in Oakland County.
David Hohendorf
Publisher
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