Keep our lakes clean with these simple septic tips
Facts:
- The more efficiently your Septic System operates, the less pollution goes into the environment
- There are 2 secrets to septic health and minimizing lake pollution : Bacteria & Time
Bacteria
- Never let anything go down the drain that kills the good bacteria in your system, such as:
- Bleach (non-chlorine bleach is ok)
- Anti-Bacterial Products – ban them from your house and cottage
- Dishwasher Detergent containing bleach (most brands do contain bleach)
- It takes only ONE load of dishes using a regular detergent to kill ALL the good bacteria in your system for up to 70 hours – instead,use septic friendly products available at Organic Times in Minden & other local retailers (look for a statement on the front of the package stating no bleach & no phosphates)
- Dishwasher Rinse Aids (use lemon juice instead)
- Cream Cleansers (most have bleach)
- Drain Cleaners (use Eco Ethic Septic Treatment instead)
- Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaners (blue is not "green")
- If soap, toilet paper or grease (bacon & eggs anyone?) get down your drain or anyone in the house is on antibiotics, use Eco Ethic Septic Treatment once a month to provide your system with the correct bacteria and enzymes to digest these items
- If your system is sometimes not used for months at a time; when you arrive back the 1st thing you should do is flush 2 cups of Eco Ethic Septic Treatment down your drain to kick start your system
- Never use a garburator
Time
Your system needs as much time as you can give it to digest the waste you put in before the next load of water arrives.
Remember: one drop in = one drop out of your system. Give your system time by minimizing water use and spreading it out over time.
- Cut your household water use by 27% by installing a Water Matrix Proficiency, 3 litre flush toilet. These toilets are tested and recommended by the C.H.A. and are available at local TimberMarts.
- Try not to do any more than 1 load of laundry per day
- Keep showers short and use a low flow shower head
- Use every opportunity to use less water when doing regular activities
- Get a licensed septic pumper to pump out and inspect both sides of your tank every 2-3 years.
