Really, it does not get much more basic than septic systems! In the city, connected to municipal sewer systems, it is easy to not think nearly as much about what happens to all the water that goes down the drain (although, we should!). However, at cottages and rural properties around the world, owners need to be a bit more mindful of where that waste water is going and make sure that it is properly managed and treated. This is important for the health of the lake and the protection of the environment. The good news is that with a little bit of caution and a bit of effort you can make sure your system remains running in top shape!
Here are a few assorted tips and assorted information about septic systems that should help us protect Lac Sam. As always, better safe than sorry!
A few things to do…
- Empty your septic or holding tank according to municipal regulations and best practices;
- Watch for changes that may indicate a poorly maintained drain field;
- Have your effluent filter checked and cleaned every year; if you don’t have an effluent filter, consider adding one (this can be done relatively inexpensively by a do-it-yourselfer, or most can be retrofitted to an existing system for about $400)
- Conserve water in the house to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated, such as replacing older toilets with newer low-flow models;
- Reroute surface run-off water from roofs, patios, walkways and other areas away from the septic field
A few things to avoid…
Don’t dispose of products that can kill the useful bacteria in your system (like household disinfectant, bleach, solvents);
- Don’t allow surface water to drain into a septic system
- Don’t dispose of things that can block your system or make it less efficient (like grease, hair, cigarette butts or sanitary products)
- Don’t plant trees or shrubs near the drain field, to prevent damage from the roots;
- Don’t drive on a weeping field;
- Don’t drain hot tub and spa water to the septic system
A malfunctioning septic system is generally easy to spot and often very easy to smell. Should you suspect that you might have a problem, it is important to fix the problem quickly. A malfunctioning septic system is a risk to the environment and the health of those in the area. It can contaminate the lake that water that you or your neighbours may use as drinking water and that all residents of Lac Sam enjoy both in and out of the water.
For detailed information on septic systems there are resources online with a great deal of information that you may wish to review:
https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Tank_Cleaning_Mistakes.ph
Here are the Quebec regulations regarding outhouses:
SIMPLE FACT:
The more efficiently your Septic System operates, the less pollution goes into the environment
There are 2 simple secrets to septic health and minimizing lake pollution :
Bacteria & Time
BACTERIA
Never let anything go down the drain that kills the good bacteria in your system, such as:
- Bleach (non-chlorine bleach is ok)
- Anti-Bacterial Products – ban them from your house and cottage
- Dishwasher Detergent containing bleach (most brands do contain bleach)
- It can take only ONE load of dishes using a regular detergent to kill ALL the good bacteria in your system for up to 70 hours – instead,use septic friendly products a and look for a statement on the front of the package stating no bleach (& no phosphates)
- Dishwasher Rinse Aids (use lemon juice instead)
- Cream Cleansers (most have bleach)
- Drain Cleaners
- Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaners (blue is not “green”)
- Never use a garburator
TIME
- Your system needs as much time as you can give it to digest the waste you put in before the next load of water arrives.
- Remember: one drop in = one drop out of your system. Give your system time by minimizing water use and spreading it out over time.
- You can cut your household water use by installing a new water efficient toilet (or an RV toilet)
- Bring laundry back to the city or try not to do any more than 1 load of laundry per day.
- Keep showers short and use a low flow shower head
- Use every opportunity to use less water when doing regular activities