Rural Property Septic Systems

Given the ongoing need as a REALTOR® to stay abreast of ongoing legislative and other changes pertaining to property ownership, I attended two seminars this week sponsored by the local real estate Board of which I am President. These seminars dealt with rural property ownership and covered issues pertaining to drinking water and water treatment systems as well as onsite residential wastewater systems more commonly referred to as "septic systems."
These excellent, highly information sessions were conducted by representatives from the Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre. This organization was formed in 1998 by the University of Guelph's School of Engineering in partnership with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority as well as a variety of industry and government stakeholders. The organization's mission is: "To promote environmentally sustainable development of rural and unsewered areas through the effective use of wastewater treatment and dispersal technologies." This is done by providing training, reserach and demonstration(s) in areas of residential and small community waste water treatment as well as nutrient and agri-food wastewater management.
The Ontario Building Code is responsible for enforcing the proper construction, replacement, repair or expansion of all onsite sewage treatment systems. Once installed it is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that their onsite system is operated and maintained in such a manner as to not pose any threat to public health or contriubte to degradation of the environment. When a property is being sold, the seller is legally obligated to disclose any defects in their system which they may be aware of and it is the duty of both the seller's and buyer's REALTORS® to include the necessary clauses and or conditions in an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to protect all parties involved while satisfying all legal and environmental requirements.
The environment continues to play an ever-increasing role in the sale of property, rural or otherwise. Organizations such as the Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre play an important role in public environmental education and awareness something for which we will all benefit. For further information visit their website at: www.orwc.uoguelph.ca/index.htm