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 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
Simple Septic Tips To Keep Our Lakes Clean (downloadable PDF)
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.