Septic Education Program
You are responsible for your septic system
Most rural homes and cottages use a septic system.
When working properly, septic systems can provide a safe and reliable way to treat your household wastewater. If you do not properly care for your septic system it could add excess phosphorus to nearby waterbodies causing algal blooms, and excess plant growth, and bacteria can cause localized health impacts for homeowners and their neighbours.
You own your septic system and are responsible for its safe operation, maintenance, and repair.
Regular maintenance can add years to the life of your system, saving you costly repairs and protecting the local environment.
Things you need to know
- Know the location of your tank and bed, and protect it from damage. Don’t drive over it or construct anything (e.g. pools, driveways, and sheds) on or near any part of it
- Have the tank pumped out every three to five years
- Don’t put food, compost, or grease down your drains
- Conserve water and try to spread water use over the course of the week, especially laundry
- Avoid excessive use of anti-bacterial soaps, bleaches, and harsh cleaning products
- Don’t put paints, solvents, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals in your system; use recycling and hazardous waste collection programs for these substances
- Keep trees and shrubs away from the leaching bed
You could be eligible for a FREE septic pump out if you live on the Bay of Quinte shoreline or 10kms up one of it tributaries. To find out contact:
Jason Jobin, BQRAP Environmental Technician, Lower Trent Conservation
P: 613-394-3915 ext 225 E: jason.jobin@ltc.on.ca Email Jason Today!
Kaitlin Maurer, BQRAP Environmental Technician, Quinte Conservation
P: (613) 968-3434 ext 107 E: KMaurer@quinteconservation.ca Email Kaitlin Today!