Most residences within the Town boundaries are hooked up to municipal sewers.
In 2005 work was completed to connect sewers to part of east Lakeshore Drive. Areas yet to be connected are:
- North-west sector of the lake, from Lacey Point to Willow Beach
- South-west sector from Haynes Point to the US border
All other areas rely on septic systems to dispose of their waste water.
Why are septic systems a problem for Osoyoos Lake?
Septic tanks have long been identified as a major source of pollution in Osoyoos Lake, because they can leak toxins into the water through the soil. Many are old – even built of wood which has probably long since rotted away – or are situated too close to the lakeshore. Many residences along the lakeshore were built in the 1930’s – 1960’s and their septic tanks do not comply with current standards. Leaching from the septic fields, however small the amount, is commonplace.
During times of flood the lake levels rise and more septic matter is washed directly into the lake: this is partly why the water level is now strictly monitored and flooding is now rare.
In 1993 the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society conducted a survey of 120 households between Lacey Point and Willow Beach. It was found that 22 per cent (details, please?)of the septic tanks had NEVER been serviced or emptied, and 10% of respondents didn’t know where their septic fields were located.
How can I locate my septic tank?
- Look for the sewer pipe that leaves the house. The tank will be 10-20 feet from there, depending on the size of your property.
- Look for a small manhole cover which is used to periodically inspect and pump the tank out.
- Look for an area where the grass is greener.
- You can use a slender metal rod to probe the soil about a foot beneath the surface to locate the tank.
How does a septic tank work?
Designed to prevent disease by collecting, treating, and disposing of wastewater or sewage, a typical household septic system consists of two major components: the septic tank (basically a large concrete, fiberglass or steel box buried in the ground) and the drainfield. Wastewater from your toilets, showers, sinks etc travels by gravity to the septic tank. The tank's main purpose is to detain the wastewater for 1 - 2 days. It uses this time to separate solids, greases, oils, and floating objects from the wastewater. Bacteria within the tank start to attack and break down the waste immediately.
Although the bacteria do a good job, they can't eat everything. Septic tank contents form layers, with scum (lighter solids such as grease and toilet paper) floating on the top, partially treated wastewater in the middle, and the heavier sludge settling at the bottom.
After its 1 - 2 day stay, the partially treated wastewater leaves the tank. If everything is working right, virtually all of the solids have settled out of the water. The wastewater now heads for the drain field. This area is comprised of a series of interconnected pipes that lie in sand or gravel filled trenches. The pipes are perforated. The wastewater comes through the perforations and is absorbed by the soil, which then acts as a biological filter. Oxygen and organisms in the soil combine to slowly break down any remaining toxins, bacteria, or viruses in the wastewater.
How can I tell if my septic tank is not working properly?
- Greener grass or extra plant growth over the leaching bed.
- Brown or burnt grass in dryer times may indicate the system is too full.
- Standing water or soggy soils in the drainage area
- Slow drainage or backing-up from plumbing fixtures may be a sign.
- Odours may be present after it has been raining and/or when water consumption is high.
- The presence of darker coloured water on the surface of the leaching bed or nearby. Sometimes this fluid will backup into the plumbing fixtures in the home.
- Sump pits in the house can often smell.
Problems with septic systems can be very costly to repair, so ongoing maintenance is key. Properly maintained septic systems have a life span of about 25 years.
Septic systems are meant to be organic. If something can't break down naturally and quickly, don't let it enter the septic system.
