Septic systems play a crucial role in treating wastewater for homeowners in our region, particularly where public sewers aren't an option due to cost or availability. These systems, also known as onsite wastewater treatment systems, manage household wastewater right where it's generated.
When functioning properly, septic systems are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. However, if they malfunction, they can pose significant environmental and health risks to our community.
Be Septic Savvy: Protect, Inspect, Maintain.
- Protect your system by paying attention to what does down the drain, as well as what goes over-top the sensitive drain field.
- Inspect your system. If you don't know where your system components are located or if you don't have a maintenance plan, an inspection is a good place to start.
- Maintain your system by having regular visits by an authorized person who will check the components and report on the operation and condition of the system.
Curious about getting a septic inspection? Watch our video to learn about the septic inspection process and hear from a septic inspector as well as a homeowner.
Septic System Household Information Kit
Printable Septic Savvy Household Information Kit (available for pick up at most municipal halls and libraries):
- Info Sheet 1 - Introduction to Your Septic System [PDF/799KB]
- Info Sheet 2 - Protect Your System [PDF/722KB]
- Info Sheet 3 - Inspect Your System [PDF/540KB]
- Info Sheet 4 - Maintain Your System [PDF/261KB]
- Septic System Maintenance & Location Record [PDF/519KB]
Or, use this condensed version: How to Care for Your Residential Septic System Brochure
Video Clips
For more information on the care and maintenance of residential septic systems, view the following video clips for homeowners:
- Part One: How Septic Systems Work (YouTube)
- Part Two: What Can Go Wrong With Your Septic System (YouTube)
- Part Three: Operating and Maintaining a Septic System (YouTube)
Household Practices
- What not to put down the drain
- Put your sink on a fat-free diet
- Recipes for a greener way to clean
- Reduce your laundry detergent
- Properly dispose of medications
Septic Regulations & Bylaw
Residents in some municipalities have specific regulations through Onsite Sewage System Maintenance Bylaw No. 3479 Learn more on the Septic Regulations & Bylaw page.
