Your Link to Muskoka's Water!
Wastewater Management
Managing wastewater is vital to protecting our water resources. The agency responsible for managing wastewater varies depending on the size of the system.
Systems are classified as:
- Private Individual - regulated under the Ontario Building Code Part 8: Sewage Systems
- Private Communal Residential (not allowed under District policy)
- Private Communal Commercial - regulated by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
- Regulated Sewage Treatment Plants - operated by The District Municipality of Muskoka and regulated by the Ministry of the Environment
Sewage Treatment Plants
The District Municipality of Muskoka operates and maintains all municipal water and sewage works in Muskoka, including systems in:
- Bracebridge
- Gravenhurst
- Huntsville
- Bala
- Port Carling
- MacTier
- Port Severn
Septic Systems
"A Septic tank is a watertight vault in which sanitary sewage is collected for the purpose of removing scum, grease and solids from the liquid without the addition of air and where solids settle and anaerobic digestion of the sanitary sewage takes place."
Building Code Act, 1992
Septic systems are vital to managing our wastes and maintaining our water quality. It is very important to be knowledgeable and know your responsibilities and how to maintain your septic system.
Learn more about septic systems
Alternatives to Conventional Septic Tank Systems
Alternatives to conventional septic systems include on-site tertiary treatment systems that filter and treat effluent before it enters the tile bed.
Many companies have developed innovative ways to improve the effectiveness of on-site sewage disposal technology. Some incorporate pre-treatment units that use different materials, such as special sands, peat or other filter materials. These tertiary treatment systems are becoming increasingly popular because of the quality of the wastewater they produce and because they can reduce the overall size of the septic system, especially the leaching bed area, making them ideal for use on difficult lots and in remote locations.
Learn more about alternative wastewater systems