Estimates are that 70% of private septic systems in Ontario are not functioning properly. Better education of property owners and effective municipal inspection programs are needed. GBA will be proposing best practices to coastal municipalities and members. High water levels on Georgian Bay make acting on septic systems more urgent due to the risk of saturation and overflow causing seepage of bacteria and nutrients into the water.
All residents should ensure that their septic system is well maintained and in good working order. The Ontario statistics on the state of private septic systems in the province highlight the need for vigilance and robust municipal inspection programs. GBA action will be aimed at reducing the risks to the quality of the water where people swim and draw their water supply.
What is GBA doing?
- GBA is compiling materials to inform and educate residents on septic issues, such as determining vulnerability, inspections & maintenance, and potential solutions to mitigate the risk of contamination.
- GBA is reviewing septic inspection methodologies in comparable municipalities to identify what works and what doesn’t and sharing this information with the coastal municipalities to establish successful inspection programs that will ensure septic systems are being properly maintained.
What can you do?
- Learn more about your septic system and keep it well maintained.
- Have your system inspected if you have a low-lying bed or your current system is over 20 years old
Additional Resources:
- Rick Esselment, President of ESSE Canada, presents: A Discussion on Private Septic Systems
- Is Your Septic System Up to Code?
- GBA Septic tank primer: Septic Tanks 101