Fact Sheet

York Region’s Gravity Sewage System

• York Region’s proposal is for a conventional gravity system
• Over 99 per cent of municipally serviced communities in Ontario have these systems; including those on the Oak Ridges Moraine

• The decision for the gravity system for King City is based on operational simplicity and cost
• Based on life-cycle costs, including operation and maintenance, the costs for the gravity system for King City is substantially less compared to a local pressurized collection system
• The gravity system incorporates proven technology, and is better for the environment than alternatives
• Construction of the gravity system will secure the long-term health protection for all King City residents
• Construction of the gravity system will eliminate the problem of malfunctioning and failing septic systems
• No storage tanks will be placed on homeowner’s property

Pressurized Local Collection Sewage System

• King Township’s proposal requires storage of 4,000 litres of raw sewage in a tank on each homeowner’s property
• In total, more than 16 million litres of raw sewage will be stored on residential properties on the Oak Ridges Moraine, while the Region’s system moves the sewage away entirely into a larger, state-of-the-art treatment facility
• About 60 per cent of homes in the core area of King City will be required to have a pump inside of their tank
• What happens if the pump stops working? What if the homeowner’s power goes out?
• During power outages, there will be a risk of sewage backup into the home
• There is a much greater risk of odour in the Township’s proposal since sewage is stored in tanks
• The cost of connection on private property is more than double in the Township’s proposal
• The operation of the Township system is much more costly due to the number of pumps and tanks
• More employees will be required to operate the Township system, creating an increase in continued operating costs
• The Township will own the tank in the homeowners yard, meaning the Township will require access to private property at any time

 

The Regional Municipality of York is committed to providing cost-effective, quality services that respond to the needs of our rapidly growing communities.  York Region is comprised of the following nine area municipalities:  Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Whitchurch-Stouffville.  For more information, visit our Web site at:  www.region.york.on.ca