The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority is inspecting septic systems within 120 metres of a waterway that flows within the Callander-Wasi watershed to help protect water quality. More than 8,000 septic systems throughout Ontario, including 600 in the Callander-Wasi watershed, must be inspected every five years as part of the Ontario Building Code’s mandatory maintenance inspection program because they have been identified as a potential threat to municipal drinking water sources.
Manager of NBMCA’s On-Site Sewage Program, Robert Palin says these visual inspections will help identify any faulty septic systems. Faulty systems may contribute phosphorus to creeks, streams, rivers and lakes. The local drinking water source protection program identified phosphorus as a factor that contributes to the growth of blue green algae which creates an issue for water quality in Callander Bay, the source of drinking water for Callander.
There are a couple of ways to help maintain the health of a septic system. Don’t flush oils, chemicals, paint, drugs, grease, and pesticides down the drain or toilet. Flush only toilet tissue.  Anything else may clog the system. Grow grass or other shallow rooted vegetation on top of your leaching bed to prevent soil erosion. Check the scum and sludge level in your tank yearly. Divert roof drains and surface runoff away from the leaching bed
