Septic systems

Why is it important to be “septic smart?”

Septic systems that are not properly taken care of can cause serious health ricks to humans, pets and the environment. Lack of maintenance can also lead to untreated sewage which can pollute nearby streams, lakes and groundwater. Neglect or improper use of a septic system can also cause damage that can be very difficult and expensive to repair.

Septic system installation

Recommended septic tank capacity

• 1-2 bedroom house = 750 gallons
• 3 bedroom house = 1000 gallons
• 4 bedroom house = 1200 gallons

Size and dimensions

The average septic tank requires a space about 10 ft. x 10 ft. The disposal (or drain) field should be 30 ft. x 50 ft. or larger, with an additional area of similar size held in reserve in case of drain field failure. The drain field must have 4 ft. of good native soil from the surface to the water table or hardpan and a minimum of 2 ft. vertical separation from trench bottom to the water table or impervious material such as hardpan.

How do I maintain my septic system?

An important way to keep your septic system safe is to monitor what goes down the drain and keep up with regular inspections. Taking precautions will protect your loved ones, reduce costs and safeguard drinking water. The following points will help keep your septic system safe:

• Only flush toilet paper and wastewater
• Do not put anything down the drain or in the toilet that can easily go in the garbage
• Dispose of cooking fats in the garbage or use a grease interceptor
• Use household cleaners in moderation (unless all-natural)
• Do not drive on or park vehicles on top of the septic field as these heavy objects may compact soil and crush pipes
• Get your septic system pumped and fully inspected every 3-5 years

Do's and don'ts

Things to do

• Have your tank pumped every 3-5 years
• Know where your system is located (keep a photo or a map as well as maintenance records)
• Be safety conscious when checking your system. Watch for heavy tank covers, sewer gases and raw sewage
• Practice water conservation by using low flush toilets, water saving faucets and shower heads
• Only do full loads of laundry
• Only do full loads of dishes in the dishwasher
• Take hazardous waste to approved disposal centres
• Plant grass on your drain field rather than trees or shrubs. Water sparingly
• Divert roof, patio and driveway runoff away from the drain field
• Keep sump pumps, hillside runoff and foundation drains away from the system
• Protect the reserve drain field area
• Ensure that your system is large enough for your needs. Garburators put extra pressure on the system as do additional bedrooms or suites
• Contact your local health agency for permits for repairs, improvements, installations and more information

Don't do any of the following

• Don't put non-biodegradable items down the sink
• Don't put grease, cigarettes, diapers, cat litter, coffee grounds, etc. down the drain
• Don't use excessive amounts of bleach or solvents
• Don't pour harmful chemicals down your drain: no paint, kerosene, solvents, antifreeze, gas, oil, herbicides, pesticides, etc. These can leach into groundwater and poison the environment
• Don't stress the system with multiple loads of laundry on one day
• Don't discharge water softening devices into the system
• Don't park or drive on your drain field
• Don't place outbuildings, patios or pools on your drain field as these can compact the soil, crush pipes and reduce aerobic action in the drain field
• Don't saturate your drain field with automatic water sprinkling

Failing septic systems

Lack of maintenance is the number one reason septic systems fail.

Failing septic systems cause serious problems such as contaminating groundwater, streams, rivers and lakes – all of which impacts the quality of our drinking water. When septic systems fail, untreated or partially treated wastewater can be exposed, which carries dangerous viruses and pathogens, resulting in illness and pollution in our community.

Some signs to watch out for

• Slow or backed up drains
• Patches of lush growth over the drain field
• Unpleasant odours around the yard
• Sewage surfacing on lawns or in ditches

Commercial dumping practices

Waste from your septic tank is to be hauled for treatment to the regional septic receiving facility located off Beaver Lake Road in Lake Country by a commercial hauler.

In April 2021, for the first time in six years commercial tipping fee rates for effluent treatment have increased. Bylaw No. 1479 reflects the current disposal rates. 

RDCO bylaws prohibit the disposal of any sludge, deposit, or material contained in, or originating from, any septic tanks, portable holding tanks, or recreational vehicles into the regional sewer system (Westside Sewer System | Bylaw No. 1315 and Central Okanagan East Sewer Systems | Bylaw No. 1316 (amended by Bylaw 1514).