Septic

Septic Systems

The Mississippi Rideau Septic System Office (MRSSO) provides septic system approvals in Tay Valley Township on behalf of the Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Conservation Authorities.

Before building or renovating your home or cottage you must consult with the septic office to determine if a permit is required. Sewage system approval may be required prior to a building permit being issued.

• Application - Sewage System - Class 4 - 5
• Application - Change of Use or Renovation - Part 10-11
• Application - Tank Replacement - Class 4 - 5
• Application - Sewage System - Class 2
• Application - Effluent Filter
• Application - Compliance Alternative
• Form - Inspection Request
• Fee Schedule
• Septic Smart -- Understanding Your Home's Septic System
• Class 1 (Privy) Construction Guidelines

Septic System Maintenance is Your Responsibility

Sewage systems require maintenance. As a property owner, it is your responsibility to have your septic system maintained and pumped out on a regular basis and ensure your septic bed/tiles are working. Studies have shown that routine pumping of a septic tank is necessary for proper performance and treatment of wastewater. Faulty systems may lead to costly repairs and the compromise of water quality and public health.

If you have not had your septic tank pumped out within the last 3 to 5 years, please act responsibly and hire a licensed septic waste hauler to pump out your tank. Routine pumping will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your septic tank is in good working order and capable of properly handling wastewater from your home.

Septic System Re-Inspection Program

Introduction

Malfunctioning on-site sewage systems can have both human health and environmental impacts beyond the property on which it is located. Nutrient and bacteria-rich effluent can travel through soil and rock fractures to surface water bodies, and ground water sources. Contamination of surface water can cause excessive aquatic plant growth, depletion of oxygen in lakes, and impact the natural habitat for aquatic species. Ground water contamination can cause illness and even death. This makes it crucial that property owners be aware of the location and operation of their septic system. Under the Ontario Building Code it is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that their sewage system is working properly, not only for their health, but also that of the surrounding community and environment.

Program Overview

Tay Valley Township has led the way locally for the sewage system re-inspection program as well as other initiatives that work towards protecting the quality of surface and ground water. Since the sewage system re-inspection pilot program in 2000, the Township has now inspected over 1,800 waterfront properties. The program combines the education of the homeowner regarding the maintenance of their sewage system with an inspection component. A follow-up component is also essential to ensure that the program effectively manages identified sewage system problems.

Voluntary versus Mandatory

In 2012, the decision was made to modify the voluntary septic system re-inspection program to include a discretionary program with mandatory inspections.

The steps taken for the septic re-inspection program are exactly the same for the voluntary and mandatory programs. The only difference is that property owners under the mandatory component will be required to participate in the program when their property has been identified, whereas property owners under the voluntary component can choose whether or not to participate.

Mandatory

The mandatory re-inspection program applies to all properties located on the following water bodies:

Lakes:

• Adam Lake
• Bennett Lake
• Bobs Lake
• Farren Lake
• Little Silver Lake
• Long Lake
• Otty Lake
• Pike Lake
• Rainbow Lake

Voluntary

The voluntary re-inspection program applies to all properties located on the following water bodies:

Creeks:

• Bolton Creek
• Grant's Creek
• Scotts Snye
• Silver Lake Creek

Lakes:

• Andrew Lake
• Big Rideau Lake
• Black Lake
• Christie Lake
• Clear Lake
• Davern Lake
• Deer Lake
• Fagan Lake
• Little Mud Lake
• Lower Mud Lake
• Mud Lake
• Loon Lake
• McLaren Lake
• McGowan Lake
• Mills Lake
• O'Brien Lake
• Rock Lake
• Round Lake
• Silver Lake
• Upper Mud Lake

Rivers:

• Fall River
• Mississippi River
• Tay River

Additional Information

• Septic Re-Inspection Program
• 2020 Annual Report
• 2019 Annual Report
• 2018 Annual Report
• 2017 Annual Report
• 2016 Annual Report
• 2015 Annual Report
• 2014 Annual Report
• 2013 Annual Report
• 2012 Annual Report