WCOWMA in partnership with the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) hosted its annual Septic Awareness Week from September 18 – September 22.

In addition to a social media campaign and newsletters about proper operation and maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment systems, each provincial chapter of WCOWMA provided webinars for homeowners throughout the week. Two Septic Sense webinars were hosted by WCOWMA-BC, two were hosted by AOWMA, one by SOWMA and one by MOWMA. A total of 184 homeowners registered for the various webinars.

Homeowners in Alberta have the opportunity to participate in live or virtual presentations hosted by their Municipal District or County throughout the year. This opportunity is available in all Western Provinces; call your rural district or municipality and request a presentation!

Septic Awareness in the Capital Regional District

During Septic Awareness Week, WCOWMA-BC collaborated with the Capital Regional District on the delivery of four Septic Savvy presentations.

In-person presentations were held on Monday, September 18, in Sooke and Tuesday, September 19, in Esquimalt, while a webinar was held a week later on September 26. As well, a pre-recorded video was completed for access through the CRD’s website.

The focus for these particular presentations was operation and maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment systems and the CRD’s Maintenance Bylaw 3479, which required regular servicing of septic systems in Saanich, Langford, Colwood, and View Royal. The presentations on September 18 and 26 were geared towards residents in these municipalities who utilize septic systems for their wastewater infrastructure, while the presentation on September 19 was focused on those working in the municipalities that follow Bylaw 3479.

The September 19 presentation also provided a platform to discuss the Maintenance Bylaw in more depth with two other municipalities who are considering adopting the bylaw: Sooke and North Saanich.

For more information on the Septic Savvy Program, contact Zoe Cilliers, Environmental Stewardship Specialist.