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Commission hears concerns about Panglers Lake water quality, septic and infrastructure costs
Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed persistent water‑quality problems at Panglers Lake (staff reported high E. coli and blue‑green algae test results) and the county's requirement for Level 3 septic systems in parts of the lake area, which staff said raises installation costs for property owners.
Commissioners raised long‑running infrastructure and water‑quality concerns at Panglers Lake during discussion of the general plan update.
A commissioner asked whether the plan would address issues in the Panglers Lake area. Staff responded that the plan will cover the area and outlined constraints: many subdivisions lack platted roads and continuous utility corridors, and extending sewer would require easements from many private owners. Staff said they had taken water samples and that the results showed high levels of both E. coli and blue‑green algae. "We just went and filled up some tubes and test them for E. Coli and blue green algae. And it was through the roof, both E. Coli and algae," staff said.
Staff also discussed county requirements for septic systems in parts of the area and comparative costs: a conventional septic system was described in the record as roughly "10 to 15" (grand), while a Level 3 septic system was described as "25 to 30." Staff said those higher costs pose practical and political barriers to a county‑led, large‑scale utility buildout for the lake area.
The commission discussed the complexity of extending sewer and water across multiple privately owned parcels and noted that the Forest Service constrains options in surrounding areas. No formal action on Panglers Lake was taken at this meeting; staff said the issue will be part of the general plan outreach and further study.
