News release

Guide Helps Homeowners Protect Environment, Their Pocketbooks

Environment (April 2008 - Feb. 2021)

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau is encouraging homeowners to think about their role in protecting and conserving water resources as Environment Week begins today, June 3.

"All Nova Scotians have a responsibility to be good water stewards," said Mr. Belliveau. "By ensuring that wells, septic systems and oil tanks are properly installed and maintained, homeowners can do their part to protect our environment."

Cottage owners are also reminded to test their wells and septic systems before summer vacation season begins.

Almost half of Nova Scotia homes rely on wells for drinking water and septic systems to handle wastewater and more than 240,000 homes have heating oil tanks.

Many oil leaks are caused by corrosion in metal oil tanks. The spills can threaten the environment and the drinking water of their families and neighbours. The spills can also be costly to clean up.

To help homeowners understand their responsibilities and how they can prevent oil tanks or septic systems leaks, the Department of Environment has added a new homeowners' brochure to its website at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/groundwater/docs/Homeowners-Guide-Wells-Septic-Oil-Tanks-2013.pdf .

"Onsite services play a vital role in the functioning of many Nova Scotia properties," said Steve Williams, chair of Waste Water Nova Scotia. "Having property owners recognize, and be informed about, the tremendous importance of seeing that these systems are maintained and properly cared for will provide a greater level of health and environmental protection for all of us."

The department has sent the brochure to businesses and organizations that build homes or install and maintaining wells, septic systems and oil tanks. Copies will also be available at local Environment offices by the end of the month.

For more information on septic systems, wells and domestic oil tanks, visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/groundwater/ .