Properties that are a part of the Mandatory On-Site Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program are located within the predetermined vulnerable areas of the Wellhead Protection Area and the Intake Protection Zone.
Septic Inspection Program
Septic systems treat wastewater for homes not connected to municipal sewers. Over time, they can fail without obvious signs, which can impact our water and environment.
Township of Severn follows the Mandatory On-Site Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program supported by the Ontario Building Code and the Clean Water Act.
Program areas and exemptions
View the program areas and exemptions to see if your property is included in the inspection program.
Mandatory inspection program area
Discretionary inspection program area (currently suspended as of June 17, 2026)
The Discretionary On-Site Sewage System Maintenance Inspection program applied to all properties serviced by a sewage system located on the following bodies of water within the Severn:
- Severn River
- Gloucester Pool
- Little Lake
- Maclean Lake
- Matchedash Bay
- Lake Couchiching
- Lake St. George
- Green River
- Black River
- Sparrow Lake
- Tea Lake
Septic Reinspection Program update
Township of Severn Council has directed that the remainder of the discretionary septic reinspection program be suspended for five years. This decision was made at the June 17, 2026 Council meeting through Motion #C2026-185 and is in effect immediately.
2026 septic reinspection notices
If you received a 2026 septic reinspection notice in spring 2026, no further action is required at this time.
If your property has already had an inspection completed in 2026 under the discretionary program, you will not be charged for that inspection.
If you have already submitted documents to the Township, such as a pump-out report, service report, or maintenance certificate for a tertiary treatment system, those documents will be added to your property file. No further action is required.
Inspection schedule
Properties in the mandatory inspection program areas are inspected once every five years.
If your property is scheduled for inspection, you’ll receive a letter with program details and information about what to expect during the upcoming inspection.
You do not need to be home for the inspection. Because of the number of properties included in the program and the limited inspection season, we’re unable to schedule individual appointment times.
Septic inspection schedule
| Year | Type of inspection | Number of properties (approximate) |
| 2030 | Mandatory inspection properties | 169 |
Deficiency report
If any deficiencies are identified during the inspection, you’ll receive a report outlining what needs to be completed in order to meet the program requirements. The report will also include a deadline for completing the work. Once the required work is complete, please let us know so we can arrange a re-inspection.
If the work is not completed by the deadline, an extension may be granted where appropriate, or an order may be issued under the Ontario Building Code.
Septic permits
The Ontario Building Code still applies to ensure septic systems have the required capacity for the properties they service.
You will need to apply for a septic permit if you plan to:
- add a septic system to your property, including a new or replacement system
- repair or upgrade an existing septic system
- complete work or projects that may affect an existing septic system
Maintaining your septic system
Whether or not your property requires a mandatory reinspection, it is important to properly care for and maintain your septic system.
Property owners should:
- have the system inspected regularly
- pump the tank as needed
- avoid flushing grease, chemicals, wipes, and other harmful materials
- keep vehicles, structures, and downspouts away from the septic tank and leaching bed
Additional resources
Historic Septic Inspection Program Review presentations
Township staff provide an update to Council annually on the results of the program.
Learn more about the program results:
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs: SepticSmart!
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) website includes:
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videos and information about how your septic system works
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options for alternative septic systems for more challenging locations
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detailed descriptions on how to take care of your system
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how maintaining your system can save you money and protect water quality
SepticSmart! Understanding Your Home's Septic System
The SepticSmart! Understanding Your Home's Septic System booklet includes:
- images and descriptions of a class 4 rural septic system
- overview of the advantages and disadvantages of leaching beds and filter beds
- guidelines on minimum separation distances for leaching or filter beds
- best management practices for care of your septic system
SepticSmart! Advanced Treatment Systems
Some properties may not be suitable for a conventional septic systems due to property conditions or location. In this case, you may may need to consider an advanced treatment system. The SepticSmart! Advanced Treatment System booklet includes:
- an introduction to advanced treatment units
- type of final distribution and soil treatment that can be used (aerobic treatment units and filtration units)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why is this program important?
This program helps protect homes, health, and local water resources. Inspections can catch issues early, reduce the risk of costly repairs, and support long-term environmental protection.
How does this benefit the wider community?
Having a well-maintained and properly operating septic systems help protect local groundwater, lakes, and public health. It also helps preserve the long-term value and livability of the community.
Can the Inspector go onto my property without me there?
Yes, the Building Code Act (Section 15.10.1 (1)) allows the Inspector to enter upon land at any reasonable time for the purpose of conducting a maintenance inspection.
Yes. Inspections are conducted with care and professionalism, and information collected through the program is treated confidentially.
Is the program mainly about enforcement?
The program is designed to help homeowners identify issues early and understand what support or action may be needed. The first priority is awareness, prevention, and protection.
Source protection plan
The Source Protection Plan identifies the source protection area for Severn and threats to our drinking water. Septic systems located on residential and agricultural properties have been identified as a potential threat within this plan. View our Source Water Protection page to see how we are working collaboratively to address threats to our drinking water system.
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