Sewer Systems

The Township of Ramara owns two wastewater treatment facilities. These facilities serve the communities of Brechin, Lagoon City and Bayshore Village.

If your home is not connected to a municipal sanitary sewer system, then you have a private sewage treatment system.

2024 Annual Performance Reports

Bayshore Village Sewage Works

Lagoon City Sewage Treatment

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Inspection Reports

Wastewater treatment and collection systems are subject to the legislative requirements of the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Environmental Protection Act and regulations made therein.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks makes every effort to inspect the wastewater treatment facilities every 3 years.

Bayshore Village Sewage Works 2024 inspection report

Bayshore Village Sewage Works 2023 inspection report

Lagoon City Sewage Treatment Plant 2019 inspection report

Sewer Use Bylaw

The Sewer Use Bylaw controls discharges to Ramara's sanitary sewers. The bylaw protects the environment and the operation of our wastewater treatment facilities.

New Connections

If municipal sanitary sewers are available in your area, you can contact the Infrastructure Department to discuss the possibility to connect.

The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the sanitary sewer lateral and grinder pump where applicable.

Inflow and Infiltration Investigation

Visit our Inflow and Infiltration Control page for more information.

Sewer Main Flushing Program

Sewer main flushing is a preventative maintenance operation that helps prevent sewer blockages, odour generation and premature wear of mechanical components. Flushing of the sewer mains typically occurs every 5 years and is a planned capital project. Sometimes flushing will occur prior to an inspection or repair of a sewer main.

Why are you cleaning and inspecting the sewers?

The cleaning and inspection program keeps the sewer system operating efficiently by:

helping prevent blockages and backups
removing built-up debris, such as tree roots, grease, grit and sand
determining the condition of the sewer so we can repair or replace as necessary

How do you clean the sewers?

We use a high-pressure nozzle to flush water down the sewer. The dirt and debris are sucked up through a manhole by a large vacuum truck.

Do I need to do anything before you flush the sewers on my street?

Yes. Occasionally during cleaning and inspection, air pressure in the sewer line can cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Please note: the water which may splash out is not from the sewer main but from the toilet bowl or the plumbing P-trap under your sink. Take the following precautions to prevent water damage in your home:

Close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use.
Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
Remove all floor mats in bathrooms.
Place an old towel around the base of toilets.
If you have a float plug in your floor drain or a Backwater valve installed in your house, ensure that it is free of debris and operating properly.
Wrap the cover of your basement floor drains with thick plastic (i.e., a freezer bag). Place something heavy over the floor drains to keep the plastic-covered floor drain covers in place.

Will I notice anything after you have cleaned/inspected the sewers on my street?

Sometimes the sewer cleaning and inspection leaves an odour in the home. If so, run some water down the sink and bathtub drains, flush the toilets, pour a pail of water into each basement floor drain, and open the windows. After a short time, the odour should disappear.

Can I use the toilets and my water while you are cleaning and inspecting the sewer on my block?

Yes, however, be careful as air pressure in the sewer during the cleaning and inspection can sometimes cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Remember to close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use, and insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.

Bayshore Village Sewage Works Class Environmental Assessment

The Township of Ramara has completed the Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) that was previously completed in 2017 for the effluent spray irrigation system at the Bayshore Village Sewage Works. The Class EA Final Report is posted for review.

Visit the Bayshore Village Class Environmental Assessment Study for more information.

Wastewater Projects

Learn more about Ramara Servicing Connect