Island County’s new septic system reporting requirements aren’t popular but they’re here to stay. With protection of Puget Sound a top state priority, the Legislature won’t be taking the counties off the hook when it comes to strict septic tank monitoring.

Many angry islanders attended a meeting of the county Board of Health, which includes the three county commissioners, this week. One positive change should come out of the meeting: People who comply with the new regulations by having their septic systems checked by a professional, or by doing it themselves after taking a class, are charged a $62 filing fee when the report is brought to the county. The fee was adopted hurriedly as a way to help cover the county’s costs for the new program.

In fact, as everyone acknowledges, the fee is unfair, because it only applies to the few property owners who are complying with the new ordinance. About 90 percent are expected to ignore the inspection regulations, at least until they become better known and accepted.

The fact is, protecting Puget Sound is a countywide challenge, and everyone will have to pay their part.

County officials estimate a $7 annual assessment on all septic tank owners would cover the costs. This should be implemented as soon as practical, so all share the burden equally.

Property owners will still complain about the high cost of having their septic systems inspected annually, or every three years, depending on where they live and they type of system the have. But it’s just another unavoidable cost of growth, and it’s the law.

A couple of hundred dollars every year or three is the new price of living in a rural area. On the bright side, it’s still cheaper than living in the city. Oak Harbor charges about $35 a month for sewer service. Do the math and the new county requirements don’t look so bad.