The Township of Lake of Bays is rolling out their new Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program (SSMIP) this summer and is inviting the community to learn more.
The SSMIP public information session will take place on June 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Township of Lake of Bays municipal office in Dwight.
Officials said the session will provide information on septic system care and maintenance, explain how the inspection program will operate, outline what property owners can expect, and discuss why it’s being introduced.
Deputy Chief Building Official Jackie Murphy says septic system maintenance is an important topic that affects more residents than many may realize.
“Most homes and cottages in Lake of Bays rely on septic systems, and they’re easy to forget about until something goes wrong,” said Murphy.
With cottage season approaching and many property owners preparing to welcome visitors, Murphy says added strain may be put on systems, and it is important to understand their limitations.
“There’s actually a lot that goes into the design of septic systems,” she said. “The number of bedrooms you have in your house or cottage, the number of plumbing fixtures you have, it all contributes to the design of your system. If you’re bringing 20 people to your cottage…but your system might only be able to handle eight people. That’s where maintenance comes in.”
The information session will also highlight common causes of septic system failures and how to reduce risks, as well as explore potential environmental impacts. Murphy says that failing septic systems can promote the growth of algae blooms, which can harm fish and wildlife and pose health risks to both people and pets.
“Looking after your system and dealing with issues early helps protect our lakes, drinking water, property values, and prevent things like algae blooms,” she said. “I hope that it’s a really great educational session for people, and I hope it shows that we’re trying to be proactive so we can prevent very serious problems.”
Residents are encouraged to RSVP in advance. A recording of the session will also be made available afterward through the RSVP link for those unable to attend in person.
