Inspections to start in May for Severn's annual Septic Inspection Program

A septic system is a private sewage disposal system designed to treat wastewater created on the property when municipal services are not available. The Ontario Building Code breaks down septic systems into five different classes or types.

For most properties without municipal wastewater service, a Class 4 septic system treats your wastewater below the ground on your property. Household drains connect to a septic tank, which is connected to a leaching bed (or filter-bed, tile bed, or weeping-bed) made up of pipes with holes, buried in gravel, and surrounded by natural or added soil. Some seasonal properties in Severn also use a Class 5 or holding tank system, or a Class 1 system that includes portable privies ('porta-potty'), outhouse (earth pit privies), or composting toilets.

Residents around Lake St. George (Discretionary) and within the high-risk areas of wellheads and water intake zones (Mandatory) can expect inspections to occur in the spring, summer, and fall of 2025. If your property is scheduled for inspection, you will receive a letter in May outlining the program details and what to expect. This is a visual inspection that will check for system issues. You don't need to be present for the inspection. Due to the large number of properties to be inspected and limited time, Severn will not pre-book inspections.

The cost to have your septic system inspected is $150. This fee is collected to recover the costs incurred to deliver the program. Severn will send you an invoice following the inspection. The fee is payable once every five years to the Township of Severn, and payment is required within 60 days of invoicing. This fee is separate from your property taxes.

During an inspection, the Septic Inspector will look for signs of damage or system failure.

This may include:

• ponding (or water) on the top or sides of the bed
• sewage odours
• damage or cracking of the septic tank
• any washing away of the septic bed soil
• possible compaction or other impairments
• components that are no longer acceptable (e.g., steel tanks, direct deposits of gray water, outhouses in poor condition, etc.)

Deficiencies report

If the Septic Inspector finds that your system is not working as it should, you'll receive a report outlining what needs to be completed to address those issues. The report will also include a deadline to complete the work. Once you've completed the work, please contact Severn’s Septic Inspector for a re-inspection. 

New and recently installed systems

If your sewage system was installed within two years of the scheduled inspection date, your property is exempt from the inspection.

Advanced Treatment Unit

If you have an Advanced Treatment Unit (added level of treatment), your sewage system may be exempt from this program if you submit:

• a current service agreement
• annual service reports

Contact the Septic Inspector if you have any questions about your system or possible exemptions.

To keep your septic system functioning as intended you should:

• have your septic system inspected regularly which can also help you avoid more costly repairs
• complete pumping every three to five years, or more often if needed
• try to reduce your water use, and practice conservation as to not overwhelm your system
• do not park over your septic system, place structures or heavy items on the system as this can cause serious damage
• keep sump pumps and roof drains away from your system
• be cautious about the type of trees you plant on your property and especially those close to your septic system, as roots are one of the leading causes of system failure