New septic system in Canada: permits and who can design it, by province

Septic systems are regulated by the provinces, and the rules for a new system or a replacement differ from one province to the next. In every case, plan for a site and soil assessment, a design adapted to the house and the lot, and a permit before any digging. This guide gives the main steps in three of the most populated provinces outside Quebec; always confirm the details with your local authority.

Ontario

Most household systems are regulated by Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code. A permit is issued by the principal authority for your area: depending on the location, the municipality, a conservation authority or a board of health. People who design or install systems for others generally need to be qualified and registered with the province for on-site sewage systems. After installation, the system is inspected before it is covered and put into use. Very large systems fall under a provincial environmental approval instead.

British Columbia

Under the Sewerage System Regulation, a typical household system must be designed and installed by an authorized person: a registered onsite wastewater practitioner or a professional engineer or geoscientist with the relevant expertise. The authorized person files the plans with the regional health authority before construction, then submits a letter of certification once the system is built, and gives the owner a maintenance plan to follow.

Alberta

Private sewage systems must meet the provincial Standard of Practice. A permit is required before installation, issued by the municipality or an accredited agency, and the work must be done by a certified installer. The design depends on a soil assessment of the site.

Other provinces

Elsewhere, systems are generally approved by the provincial environment or health department or by the municipality, with their own qualification rules. Your municipal office can tell you who issues the permit for your lot.

Before you request quotes

• Gather the lot survey, the house plans (number of bedrooms or fixtures) and the location of any well.
• Ask each professional about their qualification or registration in your province and what the quote includes: soil test, design, permit application, installation, inspection.

Describe your project in the form and septic professionals in your area get back to you.