Private onsite wastewater (septic) systems (OSS) have the potential to contribute excess nutrients to lakes, causing adverse environmental and human health effects, if human waste is not sufficiently treated. OSS reinspection programs have been established to mitigate these threats in vulnerable areas of the Lake Simcoe watershed, and are lacking capacity for success due to: 1. Increased regulation, prosecution & negligence; 2. Inconsistent or irregular incentives & technical assistance; and 3. Lack of education & awareness. This research draws from current practices in other jurisdictions of the binational Great Lakes watershed to recommend the best course of action moving forward in the Lake Simcoe watershed. It considers a compliance management conceptual framework as a method for achieving program success, to ultimately promote positive ecological and human health for future generations.