That’s why The Baumgartner Realty Group is proud to announce a partnership with the Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners' Associations (CHA). Together, they're taking action to spread awareness and encourage responsible septic practices across the region. Because clean lakes don't happen by accident—they're protected through education, shared responsibility, and proactive care.
Let’s take a closer look at why septic health matters, what the CHA recommends, and how you can be part of the solution.
What is a Septic System, Really?
If you're living in or buying a rural or waterfront property in Haliburton, chances are, you’ve got a septic system.
A septic system is a private wastewater treatment solution for homes not connected to a municipal sewer. It’s made up of two key parts:
- The septic tank, which holds household wastewater and allows solids to settle at the bottom as sludge, while grease and lighter materials float to the top as scum.
- The leaching bed or drain field, where the clarified liquid wastewater (effluent) flows and is filtered through soil for further treatment.
Sounds simple, right? It is—until something goes wrong. Over time, that sludge builds up. Filters get clogged. Tree roots invade pipes. Or worse, untreated wastewater starts seeping into the surrounding land and lakes.
The Invisible Threat to Haliburton’s Lakes
Many people assume a failing septic system will be obvious—like a soggy backyard or a smelly toilet. But often, problems start silently. And by the time you see or smell signs, your system may have already been polluting nearby water.
Just one neglected septic tank can leach nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into the watershed. These nutrients feed algae blooms—especially toxic blue-green algae—which cloud water, kill fish, and even make lakes unsafe for swimming, boating, or drinking.
In Haliburton, where lakefront properties are prized for their clean, quiet waters, a bloom can lower property values, disrupt tourism, and damage the very reason people love living here.
The CHA’s Top Septic Tips for Healthy Lakes
To help property owners do their part, CHA has created a straightforward list of septic care practices that can dramatically reduce environmental risk. These are their most critical suggestions:
🛑 1. Keep Chemicals Out
Avoid flushing bleach, antibacterial cleaners, solvents, or anything labeled toxic. These kill the beneficial bacteria inside your septic tank that break down waste.
✅ 2. Use Septic-Safe Products
Look for biodegradable, phosphate-free, and bleach-free labels. Stick to simple soaps, detergents, and cleaners that won’t disrupt the biological process in your tank.
🔁 3. Pump Regularly
Most systems need to be pumped every 3–5 years, depending on household size and usage. Skipping this step increases the risk of overflow and failure. And remember that to pump it out is not the same as a full inspection.
💧 4. Practice Water Conservation
Your septic system can only handle so much water at once. Spread out laundry over several days, install low-flow fixtures, and fix leaks immediately.
🚿 5. Be Cautious with Garbage Disposals
They send solids directly to your tank and increase the frequency of pumping. Limit use or avoid entirely.
📢 6. Educate Guests and Renters
If you rent your property, leave a friendly note or sign explaining septic basics—no feminine hygiene products, wipes, or chemicals down the drain.
🧻 7. Flush Responsibly
Only flush toilet paper—no wipes, even if labeled flushable. “Flushable” doesn’t mean septic-safe.
Why This Matters to The Baumgartner Realty Group
With decades of combined real estate experience, The Baumgartner Realty Group understands that environmental responsibility isn’t separate from property value—it’s essential to it.
Their clients come to Haliburton not just for a home, but for a lifestyle: clean lakes, fresh air, and community-minded living. That’s why the team, led by veteran realtor Linda Baumgartner, has embraced this partnership with the CHA. It's a natural extension of their mission to serve, support, and protect the region they call home.
In real estate, due diligence is key—and that includes knowing the state of your septic system. A healthy septic system:
- Boosts buyer confidence
- Helps streamline the sales process
- Avoids costly surprises
- And protects the investment long-term
What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
If you're in the market to buy or sell a home with a septic system in Haliburton, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
💼 For Sellers:
- Have your system inspected before listing. Buyers will ask—and a clean inspection report builds trust.
- Provide pumping records to show the system has been maintained.
- Disclose upgrades like new tanks or leaching beds, which can increase home value.
🔍 For Buyers:
- Always include a septic inspection in your conditions.
- Ask about maintenance history and the last time it was pumped.
- Know the system's age and design. Is it suited to your family size or rental plans?
Working with an experienced real estate team like The Baumgartner Realty Group ensures these questions don’t go unanswered. Their local knowledge means you're never navigating septic-related decisions alone.
Community Impact: Why This Partnership Matters
This isn't just about one household or one transaction—it’s about the health of an entire ecosystem. The partnership between The Baumgartner Realty Group and the CHA is a call to action for every property owner around Haliburton’s lakes.
Through social media campaigns, educational resources, and community outreach, this collaboration aims to:
• Promote sustainable waterfront living
• Equip residents with practical tools for septic care
• Advocate for lake-friendly property practices
• Prevent future algae blooms and contamination
Because what happens on your land doesn’t stay on your land—it flows into the lakes we all love.
Take the Next Step: Be Septic Smart
Feeling unsure about your septic system? You’re not alone—and it’s never too late to take action.
Here’s what you can do today:
- Visit CHA’s Septic Tips page for free resources
- Download their printable Septic Tips Sheet
- Schedule a septic inspection if it’s been more than three years
- Share these best practices with friends, family, and neighbours
- Contact The Baumgartner Realty Group if you're buying or selling a property with a septic system—they’ll guide you every step of the way
In Haliburton, Clean Lakes = Strong Communities
Septic systems may be underground, but their impact is anything but invisible.
Thanks to the partnership between the CHA and the Baumgartner Realty Group, more people are becoming aware of how everyday habits influence the health of our lakes—and our future.
Because when we take care of our land and water, we’re not just maintaining our properties—we’re preserving the Haliburton lifestyle for generations to come.
