What is septage?  Waste from toilets, showers or tubs, and kitchen or laundry sinks is handled in two ways:

• Where there are municipal sewer systems, the waste travels through the sewer system and is treated at a municipal sewage treatment plant.  In this case, the waste is called “sewage.”
• If you are like 15 per cent of Ontarians who have a cottage or live in a rural area where there are no sewers, chances are you have a septic system to deal with this waste.  This waste is called “septage.” 

Your septic system deals with tonnes of waste each year. The tank of the septic system lets heavy solid materials settle to the bottom, while the lighter wastewater stays at the top. This liquid then flows out of the tank into underground perforated pipes, called the leaching bed, where it filters into the ground and is further treated by helpful bacteria and other soil organisms.

A septic system is an excellent means of treating household septage. When properly constructed and maintained, and by watching what you put down your toilet and drains, a septic system can operate reliably for years.

		Fore more information on:   How a septic system works Why septage can be a concern What septic-system users need to know What companies that handle septage need to know What municipalities need to know Please click here

Septic systems in Ontario are regulated by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing under the Building Code. To find out about the requirements for constructing a septic system, visit http://www.ontario.ca/buildingcode