Recently, The Post and Courier’s editorial staff again highlighted the urgent issue of septic tank pollution in our coastal waters and the work Mount Pleasant is doing to encourage homeowners to buy into a new septic system maintenance program.

While we agree that Mount Pleasant's efforts are a step in the right direction, the editorial paints an incomplete picture of the real impact of septic tanks on our coast and doesn't fully address the very real need for better management. Having a coastal home on a septic system actually can be quite problematic, even if the system is properly maintained.

The combination of existing septic tanks — especially in large clusters — and worsening coastal flooding due to sea level rise and extreme weather is a lethal one for water quality and the recreation-driven economy of the Lowcountry.