Best Practices for Onsite Wastewater System Inspections, Maintenance and Record Keeping in the Lake Simcoe Watershed

Abstract

Onsite wastewater systems, commonly known as septic systems, can pose serious threats to the health and functionality of lakes, aquatic systems, and rural communities if effluent is not sufficiently treated. To ensure septic systems are functioning well and having minimal impacts on the natural environment and human health, regular maintenance, reinspections, and record keeping are required under Section 8.9 of the Ontario Building Code. The objective of this project is to improve the capacity of municipalities within the Lake Simcoe Watershed for adopting septic reinspection program best practices. Mandated and discretionary programs will be analyzed for their effectiveness within vulnerable areas. The information gathered from the project research phases will be used to inform the development of a final proposed best practice framework for completing onsite wastewater system reinspection programs in Ontario.