Northumberland County announces septic-system reinspections for property owners

By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland County

Northumberland County is now offering septic-system reinspections for property owners with existing systems just to ensure they are functioning within design and safety parameters.

The Ontario Building Code only requires septic systems to have one inspection prior to initial use. In alignment with county Bylaw 18-2022, the county is introducing this service so property owners and home buyers can schedule the reinspection of an existing system for such purposes as checking for outbreaks of sewage, determining daily loading, and ensuring the tank does not transmit pollution to nearby bodies of water or neighbouring property owners.

Identifying potential system issues allows property owners to identify concerns and make the required improvements to comply with the building code. Reinspections can also provide potential home buyers with the reassurance of a functional and safe septic system (as well as a detailed report to include as part of a mortgage application).

The service is available to property owners residing in one of the participating municipalities – the Town of Cobourg, the municipalities of Port Hope and Brighton, and the townships of Cramahe, Hamilton and Alnwick-Haldimand.