Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program

In May of 2026, the Town of Bracebridge will resume its ongoing Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program. Inspections will be conducted by Town of Bracebridge staff between May and August of this year.

The objective of the Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program is to aid in keeping Bracebridge's lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater free of pollution. Private on-site sewage disposal systems are regulated through the Ontario Building Code and are subject to the policies and procedures laid out in the Town’s program.

Systems that are improperly maintained, older, outdated, or malfunctioning may have a negative impact on the environment.

Phase I: Maintenance Inspections

During a Phase 1 inspection, staff will perform visual inspections of existing septic systems within the Town.

You do not have to be present but be advised that student inspectors are assigned to attend properties and undertake visual inspections. If you are not home, information will be left on the site to confirm that staff were there.

For each property that undergoes a Phase 1 Inspection, Town staff will:

Conduct a review of existing records to determine the type, age and location of any existing septic system.
Conduct an on-site, visual inspection of the surface of your property to document the location of the septic system and the buildings it serves. We will check for surface signs of concern, such as ponding, erosion, or unusually heavy vegetation or grass growing on or around the tile bed.

During a Phase 1 inspection staff will not open tank lids, probe the ground, dig, or conduct any invasive testing during this visit. At no time during the inspection will staff require entry into your home.

Risk Classifications

In accordance with the Policy, all sewage systems have been classed based on the scale below. If your system is identified as 'High Risk' then you will be notified that you are required to have a Phase 2 inspection completed. See below for more information.

Approved sewage system is less than 10 years old with no obvious deficiencies.

Approved sewage system between 10 and 30 years old where maintenance is required for the tank and/or septic bed area.

This generally includes all sewage systems greater that 30 years old and/or where there is no documentation in place. The following are factors that are considered when classing a system HIGH RISK:

Proximity of the property/system to groundwater or residential drinking water source or well-intake or known areas of contamination;
If there were no records of approved sewage system or;
If the system is greater than 30 years old, steel tanks, complaints received on systems;
If there is no use permit on file,
If there are identifiable deficiencies that require immediate remediation or replacement,
If there is no inspection on file for an issued septic permit, or no septic permit issued.

Phase 2: Maintenance Inspections

A Phase 2 inspection is a detailed examination required for systems identified as "High Risk" or those showing signs of potential malfunction during the Phase 1 review.

For each property that requires a Phase 2 Inspection, the property owner must:

Hire a Qualified Professional: Unlike a Phase 1 inspection, this inspection is not performed by Town staff. The property owner is responsible for hiring a licensed professional (Professional Engineer or BCIN licensed inspector) to conduct the work.
Facilitate The Inspection: The Phase 2 inspector will uncover septic tank lids and other components to visually inspect their internal condition and verify they are functioning properly. They will also measure the depth of sludge and scum layers in the septic tank, check the condition of inlet/outlet baffles and effluent filters, and confirm the tank is structurally sound.
Submit Documentation: Upon completion, the owner must submit the inspection report and a valid certificate of compliance to the Town for review.

If the Phase 2 inspection identifies deficiencies, the property owner will be required to complete the necessary repairs or system replacement, which may require a septic permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the sewage system maintenance inspections occur?

Inspections will be reoccurring between May and August of each year.

My septic system is working fine, why do I need a Phase 1 inspection?

In order to ensure up to date records, and to appropriately classify all septic systems within the Town, staff are required to conduct annual reviews on all septic systems within the Town. These inspections take place in different areas of the Town each year, with a goal of reviewing all the septic systems within the Town within a 10 year cycle.

What will a Phase II Inspection require?

Phase II inspections will require that owners uncover septic tanks, distribution boxes, dosing tanks and pumps when these components are used in sewage systems in order to be inspected, to determine their condition and functionality.

What information is collected as part of a Phase II Maintenance Inspection?

Information related to the existing buildings on site, and the existing septic system and it's components will be documented by your Phase 2 inspector.

They will very the number of bedrooms and bathrooms that your system serves to ensure it is appropriately sized.
They will also document the location and condition of all existing septic system components, such as septic tanks, pumping tanks, distribution boxes and leaching beds.
They will also conduct a flow test of the system by running water and flushing toilets to verify that it is functioning properly.

Phase II Inspection Requirements

If required by the Town a Phase II Maintenance Inspection must be completed by a qualified third-party contractor.

The reports provided by qualified third-party contractors must include a Certificate being the Discretionary Sewage System Maintenance Inspection program as approved by MAH. Refer to Appendix "B" of the Policy.

Arranging for, and paying for a third-party report are at the expense of the property owner.

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