Program Information
Community Onsite Septic Inspection Program
On September 6th 2022 Council directed Staff to proceed with investigating the implementation of a Septic Maintenance and Inspection Program.
Council of the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh is committed to the preservation of the environment and natural resources of the area.
The objective of the program is to aid in keeping our lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater free from pollution caused by faulty septic systems and protect our drinking water sources. Septic systems that are improperly maintained, deteriorating or malfunctioning may have a negative impact on the groundwater, the surrounding water bodies and the environment. All septic systems in the Township will be inspected with septic systems on waterfront properties being first priority.
What is a Septic Maintenance Inspection Program?
Most properties within the Township function with private on-site systems which are regulated through the Ontario Building Code (OBC) which is enforced by the Township. It is through Part 8 of the OBC that the Township may initiate an inspection program.
The program includes a visual inspection of the property with respect to:
- Type and number of buildings on the property
- Type of system being used i.e.: privy, grey water or leaching bed
- Evidence of sewage effluent ponding, odour or unusually green or thick grass growing on or around the tile bed
- Surface water or ground water flows toward the sewage system
- Tree or vegetation growth on the tile bed
- Location of the septic system
A report will be sent to the property owner following the inspection indicating the results. If any actions are required or recommended, this will be noted in the report. Follow up inspections may be required.
Why am I being charged $55 a year and not paying the entire amount at the time the inspection occurs?
Currently the anticipated cost of one inspection is $330. By spreading this cost of the over 6 years it minimizes the financial impact on residents.
Why am I paying now for the inspection when it won’t be completed for 6 years?
We all recognize that the costs to operate any program generally change over time and are difficult to predict. By spreading the cost over six years this allows the Township to adjust the annual charge to reflect the actual cost of operating the program and by doing this further ensures that the resident who had their inspection completed first will pay the same amount as the resident who had their inspection completed last.
In addition, the Township is exempting residents from the $750 permit fee for replacing their existing system and the $400 permit fee for repairs to their existing system which are managed by the program. This means that although their inspection may not be completed for 2-6 years, they have access to the benefits of the program, such as they do not pay the fee for a permit if they needed to repair or replace their system today.
What to do if you feel the charge to the property is incorrect.
While a great deal of effort was made to ensure the list is accurate, there are unfortunately properties where the charge was incorrectly applied. Please contact the office so that the appropriate fee will be removed or adjusted.
Prior to removal or adjustment, the owners request will be vetted by a staff member to ensure the request is accurate and may be asked to provide written confirmation.
Once confirmed, the Treasury department will remove and reverse the charge from their tax bill. If they already paid, a credit will be applied.
I don’t have a septic system, I have a holding tank, privy, grey water system, composting toilet, trailer, etc.
There are many ways to treat wastewater. Septic System was chosen to be used as the generic term as it is understood by most people. As such, a property owner may not see their exact type of system in the program language, however all systems that treat wastewater are included in the program and will be inspected to ensure proper disposal.
I have an advanced treatment unit which already requires an inspection by a private company, do I still need an inspection?
These types of systems do not require an inspection and are assessed at a lower charge as the Township still must keep track and monitor to ensure the proper inspection is being completed.
My system is fine; I do not need an inspection.
While many homeowners already take pride in properly maintaining their systems, there is currently limited Township-wide information on overall system performance and best practices. By establishing a baseline, this program helps ensure your system is working as it should, protecting your property, your investment, and the broader community.
For homeowners, this program offers practical value:
• Protect your investment: Your septic system is a critical (and costly) part of your home. Regular check-ins can catch small issues early, before they turn into major, expensive repairs or full system replacement.
• Save money over time: Preventative maintenance is far more affordable than emergency fixes or premature system failure.
• Extend the life of your system: Proper care and up-to-date information can significantly increase how long your system lasts.
• Avoid unexpected surprises: With replacement costs continuing to rise, staying informed helps you plan ahead instead of being caught off guard.
• Protect your family’s health and water: Well-maintained systems help safeguard your drinking water and reduce environmental risks.
• Stay informed and confident: The program provides clear, practical guidance so you know exactly how to maintain your system, no guesswork.
• Simple reminders, big impact: Regular prompts to pump tanks, clean filters, and monitor performance help keep everything running smoothly.
Ultimately, it’s about peace of mind, knowing your system is functioning properly today and being prepared for tomorrow.
How long will I be charged?
While the goal would be to see the program to operate in some capacity for the foreseeable future, there is currently no definitive timeline. The program will be reassessed closer to the end of year 6 and Council will decide next steps based on the results of the first cycle.
Program Updates
