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The Rural Voice, 1991-10, Page 44Every Once in a While You've just got to slip into a more comfortable seat. A seat that's designed to help you "get away" from it all. take on a little "culture" instead of always agri"culture". Theatre! Just the idea of live performances excites you. When it's time to turn to Theatre turn to Townsman Magazine for all of the upcoming plays. reviews and information. Take a little time for you know who. Yours to Discover FREE r SEND MY FREE ISSUE If I like it, you may send me six more issues (seven in all) for just $6.00 (plus GST). 11 1 don't wish to subscribe, I'll simply write "cancel" on your bill and return it. The free issue will be mine to keep. Offer may change without notice. Mail coupon to: Townsman, P.O. Box 429, Blyth, Ontario. NOM 1H0 NAME ADDRESS CITY LPROVINCE POSTAL CODE J 40 THE RURAL VOICE ADVICE SEPTIC SYSTEMS CAN POLLUTE Most of us rarely think about our septic systems since they are located underground. Unfortunately, if we completely forget them, they could come back to haunt us later with expen- sive bills, and possibly prosecution, under the Environmental Protection or Drainage Acts. In rural communities where central sewage treatment is not normally avail- able, proper installation and mainte- nance of domestic septic systems is vitally important. To be able to fully understand the possible problems asso- ciated with septic systems, we'll begin with a little introduction on how septic systems work. Most systems consist of a septic tank, where solids can settle out and be digested by bacteria; and a tile bed, where fine solids are filtered out and disease causing bacteria are de- stroyed. Soil type and an adequate weeping area are important points to keep in mind when choosing your waste treatment system location. Heavy clay may inhibit the movement of discharged wastewater, and, conversely, sandy soils will permit wastewater to move too quickly through the soil and into the groundwater. Waste water typically contains nu- trients (phosphates, nitrates), bacteria, and possibly viruses. Inadequate dis- posal can pollute streams, lakes, and groundwater sources. A few effects of the surface and groundwater contamina- tion can be seen in closed beaches, water related illnesses, fish kills, and algae - ridden ponds and streams. Where a conventional Class IV system cannot be effective, the use of a centralized treat- ment system would be extremely bene- ficial to the community. It is in the best interests of all to maintain their waste treatment system. Increasing development on the Lake Huron shoreline, where thousands are on septic systems, could spell trouble for Lake Huron if systems are not prop- erly Located, installed, and maintained. All of us can do our part in protecting our property, health, and our local water resources just by getting involved. Check into your system — it's worth it! Here are some helpful hints: • check your tank annually and pump out about every five years, depending on use; • connect all household wastes to the septic tank; • avoid overloading the system with unnecessary use of water; • use phosphate free detergents to prolong the life of the system; • do not dispose of articles that do not decompose easily; • keep all vehicles off tile beds, which could compact the soil and crush tiles; • divert roof water away from weep- ing tile beds, since the beds work better in dry soil; • if a system has never been pumped out over decades of use and has never backed up, it is possible you may be connected to inappropriate outlets — look into it! For more information, call your lo- cal Health Unit, or pick up the Envir Ag Fact Sheet No. 07-1990, which is avail- able at the Conservation Authority Headquarters office. Also, a new fund- ing program — the CURB Program — provides support for eligible water qual- ity improvement work. Correcting faulty septic systems is one of the items listed for funding. Check with your local Conservation Authority for eligi- bility information.0 This is another in a series of articles by Janette Smiderle of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, high- lighting information on water quality in the rural environment. NEW PRODUCT? NEW SERVICE? NEW BUSINESS? Call or write The Rural Voice so we can share the news.