Septic Systems in Ontario
“Sewage Systems” of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) regulates the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of on-site septic systems for most single-family homes.
Your local municipality Building Department may examine plans and issue permits.
It may inspect for systems regulated under the Ontario Building Code (OBC).
It is the responsibility of the homeowner to obtain all approvals needed under the OBC before installing suggestions for system performance improvements.
Download: Septic Smart – Understanding Your Home Septic System
Not all soils can absorb wastewater or purify it.
Septic systems installed in unsuitable soils will cause leakage of raw and untreated sewage to the surface of the ground or a roadside ditch and can contaminate the groundwater.
This untreated sewage may contain deadly bacteria and viruses like E-coli that can cause severe to deadly infections in humans.
Therefore, the Ontario Building Code requires an expansive soil and site assessment by the local health department to determine the suitability of the earth and topography of the property.
Reviewing the Property
Walk over your property and look for indications of site limitations and soil problems that may affect the performance of a septic system.