By Robert Mackenzie

Published Aug. 17 2017

The Township of Algonquin Highlands and engineering consultant WSP are hosting a “Septic Social”  to educate residents about the mandatory septic re-inspections coming to the municipality in 2018.

Earlier this year Algonquin Highlands accepted a septic re-inspection plan developed by WSP that would see about 900 septic tanks in the township given a detailed visual inspection by WSP environmental technicians every year.
The information session which will take place Aug. 26 at the Dorset Recreation Centre will allow residents to meet with the WSP project team and ask them questions directly about their re inspection plan.
In a previous interview with the Times Algonquin Highlands Mayor Carol Moffatt said that WSP’s plan “lets people who are educated qualified and experienced in programs like this see it through to completion.”

Septic tanks are the leading contributor of phosphorous to lakes in the Ontario which can lead to blue green algae blooms. When blue green algae blooms it can pose serious health risks to humans and animals including fish in the water. Drinking water effected by the algae can lead to nausea headaches and vomiting while bathing in it can cause skin rashes and hay fever-like symptoms. Checking and maintaining septic systems is a way to prevent blue green algae blooms.

The Septic Social will run from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. beginning with a 45-minute presentation by WSP followed by a question and answer period and open house. Homeowners unable to attend the meeting can call WSP directly to learn more information about the plan or refer to the introduction letter that was mailed to each property owner.