The purpose of this project is to prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water and associated public health risks. Project approvals are based on the application’s environmental merit.

50%

$5,000

• Must be a single detached dwelling.
• Farming applicants are required to complete an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP), if the applicant is eligible for that Program. Nonfarming landowners are eligible to apply but must complete the Clean Water Program Worksheet for Septic Systems and Wells before approved funds are released. The Worksheet will be provided to applicants upon project approval.
• The applications must be received prior to any construction. Conservation authority staff must visit the site and provide an assessment of water quality impacts prior to construction. Photographs to verify the concerns are strongly recommended. Surface water impacts must be demonstrated beyond the property boundary. The opinions of applicants, municipal staff, environmental engineers or others may be considered by the review committee, but alone are not enough approve the application.
• Applications from residents in small communities will be accepted. However, to be approved there must be minimal chance of municipal sewer system hookup, based on local knowledge or known capital plan.

• Sewage system must meet the design requirements as set out in Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code.
• Must obtain a building permit prior to construction and show record of inspection upon completion of construction.
• Soil testing and system design must be completed by a qualified professional.

• Must show a negative impact on groundwater or surface water.
• Does not include projects eligible under the Oxford Source Water Protection Incentive Program.
• Conventional systems are acceptable where soils are unsaturated, including seasonally high water tables and porous to at least 1.5 m, and a percolation rate of 1-50 min/cm.
• Non-traditional secondary and tertiary treatment systems may be acceptable so long as they are listed as an Approved Treatment Unit by the Ontario Building Code, or have received approval by the Building Materials Evaluation Committee.
• Holding tanks are acceptable where there is no other alternative for sewage system meeting OBA requirements.
• Non-traditional systems and systems over 10,000 L require Ministry of the Environment approval through the Ontario Water Resources Act.

• This fund will only pay for the minimum requirements as set out under the Ontario Building Code. Extra costs for larger septic tanks, treatment units and disposal systems installed as a safety factor will not be eligible for funding.
• Labour and materials associated with the construction of the septic system.
• Baseline water quality tests to determine impact.
• Professional design and supervision.
• Where a holding tank is installed, this program will only pay for the cost of its purchase and installation. Ongoing costs associated with operating a holding tank such as future pump outs, or maintenance are not eligible.
• Pump alarms, filter media, and any other mechanical components required by the sewage system design.

• If it is deemed that septic system problems are a result of lack of maintenance, the project is not eligible for funding. For example, most systems installed within the last 10 to 15 years should not be encountering problems unless improperly installed or not maintained.
• Septic systems being replaced as part of a property transaction (purchase or sale) are not eligible. It is the opinion of the CWP that those involved with a land sale are responsible for ensuring a properly functioning septic system is in place.
• Labour and machinery use of the applicant, family dependents and the applicant’s business.
• Pumping of the septic tank, with the exception of one tank pumping immediately prior to construction.
• Extra costs associated with building renovation are not eligible.
• Permits and fees.
• A septic system proposed as part of a building permit.