Rideau Lakes signs on for 500 septic inspections

By Margaret Smits
The Review-Mirror

The Mississippi-Rideau Septic Office will conduct 100 septic re-inspections on waterfront properties in the Township of Rideau Lakes this summer in year one of a five year schedule.

The township has developed a policy and a schedule to eliminate annual discussion over where and when septic re-inspections will occur over the next five years. Lakes in the township have been divided into primary, secondary and undeveloped categories. Each year 20 inspections will be conducted on the Big Rideau, the largest of the primary lakes.

Over the course of the schedule there will be 25 inspections on each primary primary lake and five inspections for each secondary lake, with a total of 100 inspections completed annually. The township is undertaking the project at a cost of $85 per household, with no cost to the residents chosen for re-inspection. This year's inspections include Big Rideau Lake, Crosby Lake, Clear/Indian/Benson/Mosquito Lake, Lower Rideau Lake, and Bellamy Lake The Septic Office is undertaking similar programs in North Frontenac and Tay Valley.

Last week Leeds and the Thousand Islands council rejected a proposal which would have seen residents pay $250 for a septic re-inspection by the Health Unit.