Septic Systems

Residents in the Municipality of Trent Lakes rely on septic systems to manage their household wastewater. Privately owned septic tank systems must be installed and maintained in accordance with the Ontario Building Code.

Installing or altering a septic system

If you want to install or alter a septic system on your property, you will need to complete an application for a permit to construct a sewage system with Peterborough Public Health. Permits and inspections are required for installations of sewage systems and alterations to buildings or sewage systems under the Ontario Building Code. Peterborough Public Health is the agency responsible for privately owned sewage systems in the County and City of Peterborough.

Building permit requirements

To obtain a building permit for any structure with habitable space, you will require authorization from Peterborough Public Health that confirms your system will meet the needs of your proposal.

Septic re-inspection program

Trent Lakes, in collaboration with Peterborough Public Health, schedule septic inspections for about 300 properties in targeted areas per year. This program helps to protect the environment and reduce the risk of groundwater, drinking water, and source water contamination. If your property is included in the inspection list for the year, you will receive a letter from Peterborough Public Health outlining the details of your inspection. 

Cost 

The Municipality budgets for Peterborough Public Health to inspect the identified properties each year. The cost for the inspections are borne by all ratepayers in Trent Lakes through the overall tax levy. There is no direct charge of $325.00 to the properties selected for the annual Phase 1 inspection. 

If Peterborough Public Health determines that your septic system does not pass the Phase 1 inspection, additional inspections and fees may be required. Fees incurred after Phase 1 inspections are not covered by the Municipality or included in the annual budget. 

More information 

For more information about the importance of septic inspections and how the inspections are carried out, please contact Peterborough Public Health. 

Septic system management 

Good septic system management reduces the risk of leaching to groundwater, rivers, and lakes and improves our source water protection. Trent Lakes has two drinking water supply systems located in Alpine Lake/Pirates Glen and Buckhorn Lake Estates. Septic system management helps to minimize the risk of drinking water contamination and degradation of aquatic habitats. Managing your septic system can help protect our water in Trent Lakes.