Water Well and Septic System Care
Testing and Maintaining Your Private Well
Did you know that well water testing is free for private home owners through the Heath Unit? Well water should be tested at least three times a year, after a heavy rain or snowmelt. Consistent water samples with zero E. coli/total coliforms help ensure your water is safe to drink. Sampling can also show that household treatment systems are working properly.
Sample bottles are available at the Municipal Office and all Tay Township Public Library Branches. Bottles can be dropped off Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at any Health Unit Office (closest office is B-865 Hugel Avenue, Midland) or the Public Health Laboratory (750 Memorial Ave., Orillia).
For additional information on testing and maintaining your private well call your health connection at 1-877-721-7520 (TOLL-FREE) to speak to a public health inspector or visit:
Flooding occurs when temperatures suddenly rise, causing snow mounds to quickly melt. Flooding can also occur when there is heavy rainfall or high lake or bay levels, causing an extra overflow of water. Exposure to flood waters can cause concerns about water safety due to flooding and contamination of private water wells or septic systems.
For information about flooding and advice on water testing visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's webpage about flooding. You can also call to speak to a public health inspector that can answer questions Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by calling 1-877-721-7520.
Always assume that your private well water or lake/river water is not safe to drink during a flood and afterwards until tested and determined to be safe.
Over time a septic tank accumulates solid material which must be pumped out. Summer and early fall are the best times to have your septic system pumped out. If your drains slow down, or toilets back up, your weeping bed may already be damaged. Septic systems thrive on wastewater, but do not put garbage, grease or chemicals down the drain.
For more information on your septic system call the Tay Township Building Department at 705-534-7248 x220 or visit:
Tay Township
450 Park Street, PO Box 100
Victoria Harbour
ON L0K 2A0
Phone: 705-534-7248
April Roper
Operational Services Administrative Assistant
705-534-7248 Ext. 230
aroper@tay.ca