The Onsite Septic Inspection Program is a municipality‑led initiative designed to help protect drinking water, lakes, and the natural environment by ensuring septic systems near shorelines are working properly.

Homes near lakes rely on onsite septic systems to safely treat wastewater. If a system is failing or not functioning as intended, it can allow contaminants to enter groundwater or nearby lakes. These issues are often hidden underground and may go unnoticed without an inspection. This program helps identify potential problems early, before they impact health, the environment, or lead to costly repairs.

Why the Municipality Is Doing This

The Municipality of Grey Highlands is introducing this program to:

• Protect lakes, groundwater, and drinking water sources
• Reduce environmental impacts from failing septic systems
• Support public health and community well‑being
• Help homeowners maintain their systems and avoid unexpected failures

This program is authorized under provincial legislation and follows Ontario Building Code requirements for community septic inspection programs.

What the Inspection Involves

• Inspections are visual and non‑invasive
• An Inspector will review the septic system and the surrounding area
• No digging or excavation is involved
• Inspectors check for signs of leakage, surface discharge, or other concerns
• Property owners may be asked to share any available septic system records
• Septic tank lids must be accessible for the inspection. If lids are buried and the system does not have risers, some digging may be required.

The inspection focuses on ensuring the system is operating safely and as intended under the Ontario Building Code.

What This Means for Homeowners

• Owners will be notified in advance of an inspection
• Inspections are carried out by trained municipal staff
• If concerns are identified, homeowners will receive clear information about next steps
• The goal is prevention and education—not penalties

If repair or maintenance is required, owners are responsible for completing the work, but early detection helps reduce long‑term costs and environmental impacts.

The program applies to properties:

• Located on a lake, or
• Located within 100 metres of a lake shoreline, and
• That use an onsite sewage (septic) system

Lakes included in the program are:

• Eugenia Lake
• Irish Lake
• Wilcox Lake
• Brewster Lake

Some newer systems and certain treatment units with active service agreements may be exempt during specific inspection cycles.

The program will be introduced in phases:

• 2026: Pilot program for properties on Eugenia Lake
• Late 2026: Review and reporting to Council
• 2027: Expansion to all identified lakes

This phased approach allows the Municipality to review the program and make improvements before full implementation.