Septic Systems and Source Water Protection

Your Septic System and Source Water Protection

Drinking water sources or source water includes untreated water from ground water, streams or lakes. This water is used to supply both private wells and municipal drinking water systems.

To ensure that drinking water is as clean and as safe as possible, it is important to prevent contamination at the source. Pollutants in source water put stress on the natural environment and require expensive treatment to remove. It is less expensive to prevent pollutants from entering our drinking water than treating them, also some pollutants cannot be removed from the water. Without source water protection, a new source may have to be found, adding to the cost of the water system in our communities.

It is also important to make sure there is enough water for private and municipal drinking water systems.

One potential source of contamination can come from septic systems, so it is important to ensure your septic system is functioning properly and that you are having regular inspections and maintenance conducted.

Properly installed and maintained septic systems can reliably treat household wastewater for years. However, if the septic system is not properly cared for, it could contaminate drinking water and the environment, put your family and neighbours' health at risk and result in an expensive repair or replacement bill!

Learn more about your septic system and source water protection.