Fall Prep: What You Need to Know About Source Water and Septics  

As summer comes to an end and fall approaches, it's a good time to prepare your property for changing weather. Heavy rain, falling leaves, and cooler temperatures can all affect your water supply and septic system. A little fall maintenance can help prevent bigger problems during the winter and protect your drinking water for the seasons ahead. 

Protect Your Drinking Water: Private Wells 

If your property relies on a private well, fall is an excellent time to inspect the area around your well and make sure it is protected from potential contamination. 

Rainfall and runoff can carry bacteria, chemicals, fertilizers, animal waste and other contaminants toward a well. Ontario recommends maintaining wells so that surface water and foreign materials cannot enter them. 

Before winter arrives: 

• Inspect the well cap and casing. Look for cracks, gaps, rust or other damage that could allow water or debris into the well. 

• Check drainage around the well. The ground should direct rainwater away from the well rather than allowing water to pool around it. 

• Keep contaminants away. Store fuel, chemicals, fertilizers and other potential contaminants well away from your drinking-water source. 

• Keep leaves and debris cleared away. Make sure the area around the well remains accessible and clean. 

• Check for signs of flooding or runoff. Pay particular attention after heavy fall rains. 

• Test your well water. Ontario recommends regular testing for indicator bacteria, including E. coli and total coliforms. 

Septic Systems: Give Your System a Fall Checkup 

Your septic system works year-round, so fall is a good opportunity to make sure it is ready for winter. 

A properly maintained septic system protects your property, your groundwater and nearby surface water. A malfunctioning septic system can become a source of bacteria and other contaminants that may affect groundwater and drinking-water sources. 

Before winter: 

• Know where your septic tank and septic bed are located. 

• Inspect the tank access and lids to make sure they are secure. 

• Check for standing water, unusually wet areas or strong odors around the septic system. 

• Keep vehicles and heavy equipment off the septic bed. Compaction can damage the system. 

• Keep trees and large plants away from the septic system where roots could interfere with the system. 

• Keep rainwater and surface drainage away from the septic bed. 

• Check your effluent filter and clean it if necessary. 

Ontario's septic guidance recommends having the tank inspected regularly and having it cleaned when sludge and scum reach approximately one-third of the tank's depth. Effluent filters should also be checked and cleaned annually. 

Protect Your Water Before Winter 

Fall maintenance is an easy way to get ahead of potential problems. Your well and septic system are connected to the larger environment around your property, so protecting them also means protecting groundwater and nearby water sources. 

A few hours of inspection, cleaning and preventative maintenance this fall can help you avoid costly repairs and water-quality problems later. If you find damage, contamination, unusual water quality or a septic problem, contact the appropriate licensed professional or your local public health authority for advice. 

For Ontario residents, official guidance on private wells, septic systems and source-water protection is available at the Province's website.