A septic system accepts all the wastewater from the home (toilets, sinks, showers, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.), treats the wastewater to a safe level and returns the treated effluent to the groundwater. The most common type of septic system is the septic tank and leaching bed. Other types of onsite systems include holding tanks, greywater systems, privies, cesspools (e.g. for the overflow from composting toilets), and more high tech options such as tertiary treatment systems (e.g. biofilters).
In Algonquin Highlands, all septic waste is handled by individual, onsite septic systems. A municipal sewage system is not feasible due to the low housing density and large geographic area. If you have running water at your home or cottage, you are required to have an approved onsite septic system. It is your responsibility to ensure that your system is in good repair and working properly.