Q: Who is the Ottawa Septic System Office?

The Ottawa Septic System Office is the local regulating body responsible for the installation and maintenance of septic systems in the City of Ottawa. It operates under Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code. The OSSO would have inspected and approved the installation of your septic system and plays a role in ensuring your advanced unit continues to meet provincial requirements by having an annual maintenance contract in place. 

Q: Why do some septic systems require annual maintenance?

Some septic systems because of their advanced design, require annual maintenance by a qualified and licensed contractor to ensure they continue to operate properly and treat wastewater effectively. Under Ontario’s Building Code, the following septic systems require an annual maintenance agreement:

• Advantex
• Aquarobic
• Bionest
• Berger BioB
• Clearstream
• Ecoflo
• EcoPod
• ELJEN
• Enviroseptic
• Infiltrator ATL
• Norweco
• Puraflo
• Waterloo Bioflilter
• Whitewater

Contact your system’s manufacturer for a list of authorized service providers in the Ottawa area.

You can learn more about septic systems (conventional systems and advanced systems) here.

Q: What are my responsibilities as a property owner?

You are responsible for the care and maintenance of your septic system. Your septic system is required by Ontario regulations to have a valid maintenance contract with a licensed manufacturer or service provider renewed each year.

Property owners must renew/renegotiate a service contract. Your service provider will inform us that your account is in good standing order, which means that it is clear of any service suspensions.

If you renewed your maintenance contract since recieving any reminder or letter from the OSSO, we thank you and ask that you follow up with your provider to ensure that all necessary paperwork is complete and confirm that your contract has been sent to our office by your service provider.

Please note that if change of property ownership occurs, the current property owner must disclose to the prospective purchaser the existing treatment unit contract, and advise the service provider of the impending sale and the name of the new owner.

Q: What are the responsibilities of the service provider?

• To conduct inspections on the treatment unit in accordance with the manufacturer specifications. Typically, this requires at least an annual inspection of the electrical and filter components, and testing of the resultant effluent on an as-needed basis. Speak to your service provider for exact details, as they may vary depending on manufacturer.
• To provide sufficient notice to the property owner that their contract is approaching expiration, and to make necessary arrangements for renewal in a timely fashion.
• Reflect any changes on the contract which may affect adequate servicing.
• Indicate on the contract if the property owner account is in good standing or suspended during the life cycle of the agreement.
• To inform the OSSO of any outstanding agreements and to help with annual compliance efforts.

Q: What happens if someone doesn't provide their agreement?

An annual maintenance agreement is required under the Ontario Building Code for those septic systems listed above. To fulfill this requirement, property owners simply need to have a valid agreement in place each year. In the event that someone does not have a service agreement in place, OSSO staff would need to issue an Order to Comply under the Building Code as a last resort.

Without a current contract or proof of regular servicing, the property owner would be in violation of the Ontario Building Code which stipulates that:

“No person shall operate a treatment unit other than a septic tank, unless the person has entered into an agreement whereby servicing and maintenance of the treatment unit and its related components will be carried out by a person who: (b) Is authorized by the manufacturer to service and maintain that type of treatment unit.” O.B.C reference 8.9.2.3.

A copy of the Ontario Building Code is available here. Key sections regarding service agreements can be found in Division B 8.9.2.3 (2) (b) and Division B 8.9.92.3 (3) (a) (b).

Q: What are my options if I'm not happy with my current service provider?

1. Contact the manufacturer
2. Contact the Better Business Bureau Ottawa

Q: Learn more about your septic system

A copy of the Ontario Building Code is available here. Key sections regarding service agreements can be found in Division B 8.9.2.3 (2) (b) and Division B 8.9.92.3 (3) (a) (b).

Be sure to check out the Septic Smart! Handbooks to learn more about different types of septic systems and their care.

Septic Smart — Understanding Your Home's Septic System:

Septic Smart — Alternatives to Conventional Septic Systems