The Ontario Building Code | Septic Tank Systems
8.6.2.1. Septic Tank Systems
(1) An effluent filter shall be installed in the outlet flow path of every septic tank that discharges effluent to a leaching bed.
(2) The septic tank effluentfilter required by Sentence (1) shall,
(a) conform to the requirements of NSF/ANSI 46, "Evaluation of Components and Devices Used in Wastewater Treatment Systems",
(b) be sized to filter particles of 1.6 mm,
(c) have a minimum area of 550 cm2, and
(d) be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
(3) A secured access opening to allow for regular maintenance of the effluent filter shall be provided at the ground surface.
In Plain Language
Septic tank systems using pumps or siphons for dosing have specific requirements set out in this article, addressing how these systems must be configured.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.