by Paige Jessup, Climate Change Resiliency Intern Proper design and maintenance of your septic system is important in ensuring it functions properly and will not end up costing you and the environment. Improperly treated wastewater may contain bacteria, viruses, phosphorus, and nitrogen. If this gets into the ground water or nearby water body, it can get into drinking water and also have devastating consequences for aquatic ecosystems. Choosing and Designing your Septic ... Read More
Resources for Property Owners
Watersheds Canada's education toolkit about septic systems: https://watersheds.ca/septics Septic System Basics for Homeowners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04ZIjz8kAPw This video addresses the basics of how a septic system functions and provides best maintenance practices for homeowners. FOCA Cottage Country Septic System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix9nbF8qUrA In this video made by Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations guides you through all the ... Read More
The Effects of Septic Pollution on Biodiversity
by Paige Jessup, Climate Change Resiliency Intern The loss of biodiversity in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems has been a growing issue for freshwater communities. Run-off from improperly installed or unmaintained septic systems are one of the ways that untreated wastewater gets into freshwater bodies. Things like cracks in the tank can also cause nutrients from the wastewater to leach into the soil, which can lead to highly undesirable changes in local ecosystem structure and ... Read More
Hidden Dangers: How Could your Septic System be Affecting Water Quality
by Paige Jessup, Climate Change Resiliency Intern Our septic systems are often something that are out of sight and out of mind. Some people may not even know what a septic system is, especially if you live in a city or town that has a wastewater treatment plant. No matter where you live, we should all be thinking about where our wastewater goes when we flush. Where is Untreated Wastewater Going? If you live in an area that is connected to a municipal sewer system, the water that is ... Read More
Septic Systems – Public Perception and Awareness Survey
Return back to the Septic System Education Toolkit by clicking here! ... Read More
Cyanobacteria – Public Perception and Awareness Survey
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Changing your Shoreline Practices: Using The Natural Edge’s Native Plant Database
by Paige Jessup, Climate Resilience Intern What do you value most about your cottage? Maybe you like to go there and fish or swim, get out on the boat, or enjoy the quiet once you leave the city. In 2021, Watersheds Canada and Canadian Wildlife Federation conducted a survey to find out what shoreline property owners value most. The top three values selected were Water Quality, Swimming, and Scenery/View (Love Your Lake, 2021). However, most actions taken along the shoreline didn’t match with ... Read More
Pool and Hot Tub Pollution – Public Perception and Awareness Survey
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Watersheds Canada National Conference 2025
WHEN: May 1-2, 2025 WHERE: Haliburton, ON WHAT HAPPENED: You immersed yourself in Watersheds Canada’s inaugural conference where inspiration leads to action! We gathered together fellow lake and watershed enthusiasts for an engaging experience that took you beyond the conference room and into the field with hands-on stewardship project demonstrations and interactive seminars. Passionate lake leaders and environmental professionals networked, we shared innovative success stories, and we ... Read More
Enter to win a beautifully hand-crafted Belted Kingfisher!
Enter a contest to win a beautifully hand-crafted, new decorative Belted Kingfisher carving generously donated to Watersheds Canada by Canadian artist, Mike Reader: Belted Kingfisher are a common visitor to river and shoreline areas, nesting along banks and hunting almost exclusively on aquatic prey. You may have had the treat of hearing the rattling call of the kingfisher even if you haven't been able to spot it. Healthy riparian habitat is critical for Belted Kingfisher to thrive as ... Read More