Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program

Building Services have undertaken a seasonal septic re-inspection program for well over 20 years. In 2017, the Town of Bracebridge approved a new Property Standards By-law as well as a Discretionary Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Policy and Program under the authority granted under the Ontario Building Code.

The objective of the Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program is to aid in keeping Bracebridge's lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater free of pollution. Private on-site sewage disposal systems are regulated through the Ontario Building Code and are subject to the policies and procedures laid out in the Town’s program.

Systems that are improperly maintained, older, outdated, or malfunctioning may have a negative impact on the environment.

Phase I: Maintenance Inspections

Beginning in May 2025, the Town will undertake Phase 1 inspections that will continue on a five-to-10-year cycle until all systems five years of age and over have been reviewed. The program will be conducted by Town of Bracebridge staff from May until late August annually. Staff will perform on-site inspections to collect information on existing systems, properties, and look for visual signs that indicate that a system may need attention.

Annual work will include:

Establishing a review area using existing mapping and information like sewage system records;
Initial site visit and review. A site survey form may be left at properties for owners to complete;
A visual inspection of the property to capture:
- Type and number of buildings connected to the system;
- Type of system;
- Evidence of sewage effluent ponding or odour;
- Evidence of erosion of septic bed side slopes;
- Location of surrounding trees and canopy cover;
- Surface water or groundwater flows toward the system; and
- Evidence of unusually green or thick grass growing on or around the tile bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for my inspection?

If you have received a letter outlining that your property is in an area where an inspector is scheduled to visit, please complete the septic system information questionnaire. Your responses will assist inspectors in preparing for the visit to your property during the summer months.

Any additional information such the most recent pump out receipt or other inspection by a third party can also be provided and will assist in ensuring that the Town's records are up to date.

Do I need to be present at time of the inspection?

No, you do not have to be present but be advised that student inspectors are assigned to attend properties and undertake visual inspections. If you are not home, information will be left on the site to confirm that staff were there.

When will the sewage system maintenance inspections occur?

Inspections will be occurring between May and August.

My sewage system shows no visible signs of failing and there is no odour, why do I need to have it inspected?

The SSMIP dictates the type of inspection required as well as the frequency in which the system is to be inspected. Review the Risk Classifications below.

Phase 2: Maintenance Inspections

A more intensive follow-up maintenance inspection may be required if:

The Phase I Maintenance Inspection identified that the sewage system is at a high risk, or
The Phase I Maintenance Inspection detected a malfunction or failure, but did not reveal the reason (e.g. by location or nature) of malfunction or failure.

What will a Phase II Inspection require?

Phase II inspections will require that owners uncover septic tanks, distribution boxes, dosing tanks and pumps when these components are used in sewage systems in order to be inspected, to determine their condition and functionality.

What is included as part of a Phase II Maintenance Inspection?

Sewage system components, such as septic tanks, pumping tanks, distribution boxes and leaching beds, will be documented for construction and condition. Other information collected during the inspection will include dwelling information that relates to the sewage system, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and water supply source(s). Additional requirements include flow testing the system and may include soil sampling.

Phase II Inspection Requirements

If required by the Town a Phase II Maintenance Inspection must be completed by a qualified third-party contractor.

The reports provided by qualified third-party contractors must include a Certificate being the Discretionary Sewage System Maintenance Inspection program as approved by MAH. Refer to Appendix "B" of the Policy.

Arranging for, and paying for a third-party report are at the expense of the property owner.

Risk Classifications

In accordance with the Policy, all sewage systems have been classed based on the scale below.

Approved sewage system is less than 10 years old with no obvious deficiencies.

Approved sewage system between 10 and 30 years old where maintenance is required for the tank and/or septic bed area.

This generally includes all sewage systems greater that 30 years old and/or where there is no documentation in place. The following are factors that are considered when classing a system HIGH RISK:

Proximity of the property/system to groundwater or residential drinking water source or well-intake or known areas of contamination;
If there were no records of approved sewage system or;
If the system is greater than 30 years old, steel tanks, complaints received on systems;
If there is no use permit on file,
If there are identifiable deficiencies that require immediate remediation or replacement,
If there is no inspection on file for an issued septic permit, or no septic permit issued.

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