The On-Site Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program was established in 2011 by the Province of Ontario to help preserve and protect surface water and groundwater quality.
The program is outlined in The Ontario Building Code and supports the Clean Water Act, 2006 (CWA) and the Lake Simcoe protection plan
What are the inspectors looking for?
During an inspection, the Septic Inspector will look for signs of damage or system failure. The visual inspection of the property consists of the following:
- Type and number of buildings on the property
- Type of system being used (i.e. privy, grey water or leaching bed)
- Evidence of sewage effluent ponding, odour or unusually green or thick grass growing on or around the tile bed
- Surface water or groundwater flows toward the sewage system
- Trees or other vegetation has grown on the tile bed
- Location of the components of the septic system
- The number of septic systems.
Program areas
The program areas provide information on properties included in the inspection program as well as those exempted.
On-Site Sewage Inspection Program |
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The Mandatory On-site Sewage System Maintenance Inspection program includes all properties within 100 metres of the Lake Simcoe shoreline and watershed, and 100m from a municipal well or surface water intake zone.
To view the inspection areas on our GIS map, please click the mapping link below and click the layers under Building and Planning Services. |
Inspection Process
The On-site Sewage System program will occur on a 5-year cycle. Inspections will typically take place during the spring, summer and fall months.
The inspection process is as follows:
- A visual inspection will take place to examine the sewage system and surrounding areas.
- A notice will be left at the door once inspection is complete.
- The Township requires a pump out certificate completed by a certified septic hauler of your choice. It is your responsibility to ensure that the pump out certificate is submitted to the Township within the inspection year. The pump out certificate can be emailed to septic@ramara.ca. Alternatively, it can be sent to the Township of Ramara's Building Department.
Fee
As outlined in By-law 2023.34, the properties included in the program will have a $30.00 fee added to their final tax bill each year for a five-year cycle.
Deficiencies Report
If your system fails an inspection, you will receive a letter from the Township outlining your deficiencies with a deadline on your remedial action.
Further action will be taken if corrections are not complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fee? |
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The fee for both the On-Site Sewage Re-Inspection program is $150.00. Council set these fees as it takes into account the following:
As outlined in By-law 2023.34, the properties included in the program will have a $30.00 fee added to their final tax bill each year for a five-year cycle. |
What are the inspectors looking for? |
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During an inspection, the Inspector will look for signs of damage or system failure. The visual inspection of the property consists of the following:
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What is the process for the On-Site Sewage Inspection program? |
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The On-site Sewage System program will occur on a 5-year cycle. Inspections will typically take place during the spring, summer and fall months. The inspection process is as follows:
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What is the qualification of the inspector completing the Septic Re-inspection program, and why are they asking me questions? |
| Inspectors are instructed to talk to homeowners to assess the property and get as much information as possible about the property to ensure that no information is missed. Inspectors are under a company BCIN and are qualified to perform the visual inspection. |
Why did the inspector ask me the location of our septic system? Shouldn’t the Township have this information? |
| Inspectors are instructed to talk to homeowners in order to get as much information on the property and to ensure that no information is missing. In some files, the Township has little to no information regarding resident’s septic system. As a result, inspectors will ask questions to further verify field observations. |
My road is not identified as part of the Re-Inspection program, but I am within 100 metres of a lake or watercourse. |
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This program is an ongoing program that runs in a five-year cycle continuously. Missed areas will be re-examined to ensure that all properties are captured. If a street or a property is missed, the Township will be able to identify the missing area and add it to the list to be inspected |
What is the process if my septic system has failed? |
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If your system fails an inspection, those residents will receive a letter from the Township outlining the deficiencies with a deadline on the remedial action. The Township will work with those homeowners to correct the issue as quickly as possible. Further action will be taken if corrections are not complete. |
Caring for your System
- Be mindful of what is flushed down toilets: Do not flush wipes, napkins, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, plastic, or other miscellaneous items.
- Be mindful of what is going down your drains: Be sure to put your coffee grinds, fats, greases and other compostable products into your green bin.
- Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals, paints and oils that can upset the balance of live bacteria necessary for the treatment of the effluent in your septic system.
- To keep your system clean and avoid clogging of your bed all septic tanks should be pumped regularly, it is recommended at least every 5 years for a system serving a regular household in a single family dwelling.
- The Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association has a complete homeowners guide to a healthy sewage system.
Report a Concern
If you think that a septic system is failing or have a concern regarding a septic system, you can report a concern online using our Report a Concern tool. When submitting a concern, please choose 'Septic System Concern.'
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