Investing in a Stronger Future

The Benefits of a Centralized Wastewater System

Connecting to a municipal sewer system brings numerous benefits to both property owners and the broader community. Environmentally, it safeguards Lake Bemidji and the Mississippi River watershed by reducing the risks of nutrient pollution and groundwater contamination caused by failing or outdated septic systems. Economically, it enhances property values, supports regional growth, and offers greater flexibility in land use for homeowners. This investment not only protects our shared natural resources but also strengthens the long-term resilience, health, and appeal of our community–ensuring Lake Bemidji remains a cherished asset for residents, visitors, and future generations.

Environmental Protection

Safeguarding Our Waterways

Every individual septic system carries some risk of failure, and with hundreds in operation, those risks add up. By connecting to a centralized sewer system, we reduce these cumulative risks through consistent, monitored treatment that reduces the amount of nutrients and contaminants reaching Lake Bemidji and the greater Mississippi River watershed. Cleaner surface water preserves fish habitat and ensures a healthier environment for recreation.

Cleaner Groundwater

Individual septic systems, if poorly maintained or installed in challenging soil conditions, can contaminate groundwater resources. A municipal sewer system removes this threat by routing wastewater to a professionally managed facility, helping to protect private wells and the overall water table from harmful pollutants.

Flexibility in Land Use

Unlocking New Possibilities

A septic tank and drain field can limit where and how you build on your property. Municipal sewer connections free up yard space, making it easier to add garages, sheds, or additional living spaces.

With a community sewer system in place, some zoning rules may become more flexible because the risk of nutrient pollution from septic fields is minimized.

Enhanced Property Values

Higher Resale Value Tied to Water Quality

Research from our very own Bemidji State University underscores just how important water clarity and overall lake health can be to property values:

“The major finding of the analysis was that lake water clarity–the water quality variable used—proved a significant explanatory variable of lakeshore property prices in all lake groups and in both models. The relationship between water clarity and property prices is positive, that is, all else being equal, property prices paid are higher on lakes having higher water clarity. In other words, buyers of lakeshore properties prefer and will pay more for properties on lakes with better water quality. Therefore, sustaining and/or improving lake water quality will protect and/or improve lakeshore property values. On the other hand, if water quality is degraded, lower property values will result, which in turn will increase demand and development pressures on remaining lakes with the better water quality and ultimately lowering their water quality as well.” (Krysel et al., 2003, p. 40)

A Significant Economic Impact

Numerous studies underscore the same principle: protecting water quality makes a community more desirable and drives property values upward. Whether by improving current conditions or preventing future degradation, both are vital for maintaining strong property values and a thriving local environment. At the same time, switching from individual septic systems to a municipal sewer frees up valuable space—especially on smaller or substandard lots—giving homeowners more flexibility to build garages, additions, and other improvements. This synergy benefits property owners by both safeguarding the economic and environmental health of our community and allowing greater freedom in how we develop and enjoy our properties.

By taking steps to safeguard and improve water quality through centralized wastewater treatment, we are helping safeguard our water resources—from the groundwater beneath our feet to the beautiful Lake Bemidji and Mississippi River watershed—and ensuring our community remains vibrant, healthy, and economically strong for future generations.

Community and Economic Growth

Sustainable Development

Modern infrastructure, like a municipal sewer system, signals a thriving and forward-thinking community. Homebuyers, entrepreneurs, and larger businesses often prefer communities with updated systems, which can help attract economic investment and create local jobs.

Shared Resource, Shared Responsibility

Lake Bemidji and its surrounding waters are cherished not only by our local community but also by visitors from across the state and beyond. Its beauty and recreational opportunities—boating, fishing, swimming, and more—are enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. However, the health of this shared resource depends on responsible stewardship. If too many individual septic systems fail or leak, the impacts ripple outward, diminishing water quality, property values, and the overall recreational experience for everyone. Centralizing wastewater management ensures that responsibility for protecting Lake Bemidji is shared equitably, preserving its benefits for our community, our state, and all who visit its shores.

Sources and References

This widely cited study is especially relevant to our community, as it was conducted by researchers at Bemidji State University.

Krysel, C., Boyer, E. M., Parson, C., & Welle, P. (2003, May 14).
Lakeshore property values and water quality: Evidence from property sales in the Mississippi Headwaters Region. Report submitted to the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources. Mississippi Headwaters Board and Bemidji State University.

  • Borchardt, S. (2024). Shoreland Development and Disturbances: A Hedonic Analysis of Lakefront Properties in Northeastern Wisconsin, USA.
  • Dehring, C. A., & Lind, M. S. (2007). “Residential Land-Use Controls and Land Values: Zoning and Covenant Interactions.” Land Economics, 83(4), 445–457.
  • Gibbs, J. P., Halstead, J. M., Boyle, K. J., & Huang, J.-C. (2002). “An Hedonic Analysis of the Effects of Lake Water Clarity on New Hampshire Lakefront Properties.” Agricultural and Resource Economics Review, 31(1): 39–46.
  • Keiser, D. A., & Shapiro, J. S. (2023). “Valuing water quality in the United States using a national dataset of home transactions.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(14), e2210417120.
  • Kom, T., Zhou, S., & Wu, S. (2019, May). The impact of water clarity on home prices in Vilas and Oneida counties, Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin. https://minds.wisconsin.edu/handle/1793/81436
  • Maine Department of Environmental Protection. (n.d.). The economics of lakes – Dollars and $ense. https://www.maine.gov/dep/water/lakes/research.html
    • Walsh, P. J., Milon, J. W., & Scrogin, D. O. (2011). “The Spatial Extent of Water Quality Benefits in Urban Housing Markets.” Land Economics, 87(4): 628–44.
    • Walsh, P. J., & Milon, J. W. (2016). “Nutrient Standards, Water Quality Indicators, and Economic Benefits from Water Quality Regulations.” Environmental and Resource Economics, 64(4): 643–61.
    • Welle, Patrick & Hodgson, James. (2011). Property Owners’ Willingness to Pay for Water Quality Improvements: Contingent Valuation Estimates in Two Central Minnesota Watersheds. J Appl Bus Econ.. 12.
    • Weng, W., Boyle, K. J., Farrell, K. J., Carey, C. C., Cobourn, K. M., Dugan, H. A., Hanson, P. C., Ward, N. K., & Weathers, K. C. (2020). “Coupling Natural and Human Models in the Context of a Lake Ecosystem: Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, USA.” Ecological Economics, 169: 106556.
    • Wisconsin DNR and UW–Stevens Point Lake Resource. https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Documents/ecology/shoreland/background/the_value_of_good_water_quality.pdf
    • Wolf, D., & Klaiber, H. A. (2017). “Bloom and Bust: Toxic Algae’s Impact on Nearby Property Values.” Ecological Economics, 135: 209–21.