You may not give much thought to what you flush down the drain or toilet, but if youB次元官网网址檙e one of the 27,000 capital region households with a septic system, it pays to use your !

Sept. 14 to 18 is Septic Awareness Week, and the Capital Regional District and Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association urge you to consider both what goes down the drain, and how you maintain your septic system.

B次元官网网址淪eptic systems are an economical and efficient method of treating household wastewater and when , are also environmentally sustainable, distributing treated wastewater onsite and recharging aquifers,B次元官网网址� says Glenn Harris, senior manager of the Environmental Protection team.

However, when septic systems are neglected and malfunction, untreated wastewater and nutrients can leak into our local waterways.

Whether at home or the cottage, systems that are not maintained B次元官网网址� often underground and out-of-sight B次元官网网址� can not only cost you money in the long run, but can contribute to nutrient enrichment of sensitive water bodies.

Proper maintenance matters

Proper maintenance means more than simply pumping out your tank.

B次元官网网址淭hink of it like your vehicle: A properly operating car requires more than an oil change,B次元官网网址� Harris explains. B次元官网网址淚n addition to regular pump-outs, keeping your septic system working as itB次元官网网址檚 designed typically requires regular inspections and protection that comes from paying attention to what goes down the drain.B次元官网网址�

And like vehicle maintenance that keeps your car operating at its best for years to come, maintaining your septic system also helps avoid costly repairs and early replacement.

Protect, Inspect and Maintain your septic system:

1. Protect your system B次元官网网址� Your septic system is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only, termed the B次元官网网址淭hree Ps.B次元官网网址� All other household products, detergents, chemicals and personal care products can negatively impact the system and be passed on to groundwater supplies. Use environmentally friendly cleaners and donB次元官网网址檛 flush items like feminine hygiene products and wipes, even if they claim to be flushable.
2. Inspect your system B次元官网网址� If you donB次元官网网址檛 know where your components are located, if youB次元官网网址檙e planning to buy or sell a home or if you suspect your system is malfunctioning, an inspection is a good idea. The (ASTTBC) provide guidelines for septic system inspection.
3. Maintain your system B次元官网网址� Regular maintenance is critical to the lifespan of a system, and a well maintained system can last a long time. Pump-outs should occur every two to five years, and components should be examined regularly.

To learn more about how to care for your residential septic system and to enter to win a free septic system inspection, visit