Learning, Safety and a Message that Reached Across Ontario
From September 14–18, Septic Awareness Week 2026 brought homeowners, industry professionals, municipalities, conservation organizations and media together around a message that matters year-round: understanding, maintaining and safely accessing an onsite sewage system helps protect people, property and water. Led by the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) with partners across Ontario and Canada, the campaign paired practical education with new safety resources, and supporters helped carry that information into communities across the province.
Webinars Put Practical Information in Owners’ Hands
Two free evening webinars formed the educational core of the week, generating 161 registrations and 53 attendees in total. The Septic System Basics webinar attracted 111 registrations and 40 attendees, with most participants remaining for the full 60-minute session. Rural property owners and septic system users represented 73% of registrants, while industry professionals accounted for 13%. Realtors, municipal staff, media, conservation authorities, inspectors and lake association members were also represented.
The questions submitted during the basics session reflected the real decisions property owners face: how long a leaching field should last, whether tree roots pose a risk, how often a system should be pumped or inspected, whether additives are helpful, and what warning signs may indicate a system is nearing the end of its life. The Septic System Access Safety webinar generated another 50 registrations and 13 attendees. 74% of registrants were rural property owners or system users and 20% were industry professionals. The session drew attention to the serious risks associated with damaged, unsecured or improperly maintained septic lids and introduced new septic safety checklists and a safety booklet for use in homes and communities.
At Least 23 Stories, Notices and Shares
The campaign was amplified through at least 23 online stories, municipal notices, partner posts and social media shares. Water Canada, CTV Northern Ontario and Norfolk Today provided media coverage, while municipalities, conservation organizations, lake associations, AMO, ROMA and other partners helped extend the message.
Watch the CTV news clip here: https://www.ctvnews.ca/northern-ontario/video/2026/09/11/septic-awareness-week-highlights-environmental-responsibility/
Awareness That Leads to Action
Septic Awareness Week reinforced that “out of sight” should never mean “out of mind.” Routine maintenance, informed use and safe access can help protect families, pets, water resources and the long-term value of a property. The week also demonstrated the value of a shared public-education campaign: when municipalities, associations, conservation organizations and media repeat a clear message, it reaches far beyond any single webinar or post.
Thank you to every presenter, participant, partner, municipality, community organization and media outlet that helped make Septic Awareness Week 2026 a success. Homeowners and system users can keep the learning going through OOWA’s Homeowner Resources, where practical guides, videos and downloadable materials are available to support safe, responsible septic system ownership throughout the year.
