Septic Systems:

The Lake Plan for Clear, Ston(e)y and White lakes has outlined that water quality as the biggest issue.  I have setup this set of weblinks to provide you with some information on them.

You are required by law to report any problem to your local authorities before proceeding with repairs or replacement. A final inspection will need to be carried out and a Use Permit granted before you can legally use a new or altered a septic system. If you are repairing, replacing or installing a new septic system, there are  legal limitations on where your septic system can be located with respect to your house and your well, your neighbour’s house and well, and nearby bodies of water.   The agency responsible for onsite septic system permits are through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as outline in the Ontario Building Code Part 8

Typical problems with Septic Systems:

• The ground around the septic tank or over the leaching bed may be soggy or spongy to walk on.
• Toilets, showers and sinks may back up or may take longer than usual to drain.
• Occasional sewage odours may become noticeable, particularly after a rainfall.
• Gray or black liquids may be surfacing in your yard or backing up through fixtures into the house.
• E. coli or fecal coliform indicator bacteria may be found in nearby water or in a surface ditch close to the leaching bed.
• The water level in the septic tank is higher than the outlet pipe (this indicates that the water is ponding in the distribution lines) — inspection should be conducted by a qualified practitioner.
• Wastewater is ponding in the distribution lines — inspection should be conducted by a qualified practitioner or an engineer