December 5th - 2007

Pamphlet offers septic system advice

Having knowledge about septic systems is important for REALTORS® who deal with cottage and rural properties.

Having knowledge about septic systems is important for REALTORS® who deal with cottage and rural properties. The Ministry of the Environment (MOE), in partnership with the Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre, has developed a brochure called, Your Septic System: Protecting Your Investment and the Environment to help REALTORS® and consumers learn the ins and outs of septics.
 
The pamphlet contains tips on how to operate and maintain a septic system, how to tell if the system is malfunctioning and when to have a septic system inspected. For example, “time of sale inspections are usually requested by buyers, REALTORS® or lenders to protect against unexpected costs. A time of sale inspection can be carried out by a licensed septic system installer, sewage hauler or professional engineer and could involve pumping the tank and examining the leaching bed for any signs of problems.”
 
Some warning signs of an improperly functioning septic system are obvious, but some require more effort to notice. “The grass over the system may become unusually green or spongy to walk on. Toilets, showers and sinks might take longer to drain. Occasional sewage odours may become noticeable, often after a rainfall. Or sometimes, homeowners discover gray or black liquids surfacing in their yards, or backing up through plumbing fixtures into the house.”
 
Buyers who are new to rural property also need to understand that septic systems are privately owned and by law, the owner is responsible for its safe operation, maintenance and repair. “Failing to maintain your septic system could cause health problems for your family as well as endangering natural resources and nearby water sources. If something goes wrong with the septic, the replacement cost could be up to $25,000” the brochure states.
 
The MOE is encouraging REALTORS® to help educate their cottage and rural clients about the importance of septic system safety. This campaign is part of the province’s efforts to ensure safe and clean water for generations to come. The passing of the Clean Water Act, 2006 and changes to the Building Code Act, 1992 were designed to ensure septic systems in Ontario are well maintained.
 
The pamphlet is available online at http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/publications/water/index.php#1 or print copies are available by contacting the MOE Public Information Centre at 1-800-565-4923 or picemail.moe@ontario.ca.

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For more information contact

Ontario Real Estate Association

Jean-Adrien Delicano

Senior Manager, Media Relations

JeanAdrienD@orea.com

416-445-9910 ext. 246

Ontario Real Estate Association
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