Knowing the basic ins and outs of a rural septic system can save the owners having to deal with a malfunctioning or leaking system.
Leduc County, Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association (AOWMA) and the Land Stewardship Centre (LSC) are jointly hosting a “septic sense” workshop for rural property owners early in the new year.
The workshop will cover: what a septic system is and how it works, regulations, design and instillation, appropriate use of septic systems, maintenance and trouble shooting.
“There’s been a lack of information for a long time; we’re hoping this workshop will help rural property owners to better understand and take care of their septic systems,” said Heather Dickau, horticulturalist with Leduc County, in a press statement.
Steve Neff, manager of safety codes, says the county hosted a similar pilot workshop at Rollyview Hall in 2015, which was well attended. He is hoping the workshop on Jan. 18, 6 to 9 p.m., at the New Sarepta Argi-Plex will have a large draw as well.
He noted new acreage owners may not be familiar with septic systems. “We have a lot of residents from the city where they’re used to municipal resources,” said Neff.
According to AOWMA, the average family of four puts 1,360 litres of sewage through a septic system each day. Neff says the systems have a volume limit and if overloaded they can leak.
He added 95 per cent of septic issues are due to mistakes made by the owners. “It’s just to inform residents. And so they have an idea of what they have and what’s there under the ground.”
To attend, please pre-register by Jan. 13 by contacting Heather Dickau at heatherm@leduc-county.com or at 780-955-3555 ext. 3287.