Septic systems play a crucial role in treating wastewater for homeowners in our region, particularly where public sewers aren’t an option due to cost or availability. These systems, also known as onsite wastewater treatment systems, manage household wastewater right where it's generated.

When functioning properly, septic systems are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. However, if they malfunction, they can pose significant environmental and health risks to our community.

Be Septic Savvy: Protect, Inspect, Maintain. 

• Protect your system by paying attention to what does down the drain, as well as what goes over-top the sensitive drain field.
• Inspect your system. If you don’t know where your system components are located or if you don’t have a maintenance plan, an inspection is a good place to start.
• Maintain your system by having regular visits by an authorized person who will check the components and report on the operation and condition of the system.

Printable Septic Savvy Household Information Kit (available for pick up at most municipal halls and libraries)

• Info Sheet 1 - Introduction to Your Septic System (PDF)
• Info Sheet 2 - Protect Your System (PDF)
• Info Sheet 3 - Inspect Your System(PDF)
• Info Sheet 4 - Maintain Your System (PDF)
• Septic System Maintenance & Location Record (PDF)
• or use this condensed version:
  How to Care for Your Residential Septic System Brochure (PDF)

Video Clips

For more information on the care and maintenance of residential septic systems view the following video clips for homeowners.

• Part One: How Septic Systems Work
• Part Two: What Can Go Wrong With Your Septic System
• Part Three: Operating and Maintaining a Septic System

Household Practices

• What not to put down the drain - the UNflushables
• Put your sink on a fat-free diet
• Recipes for a greener way to clean
• Reduce your laundry detergent
• Properly dispose of medications

Bylaw 3479

Residents in Colwood, Langford, Saanich, and View Royal  have specific regulations through Bylaw 3479, based on the type septic system they have (Type 1 or Type 2/3).  

• Information for Type 1 system owners (PDF)
• Information for Type 2 & 3 system owners (PDF)
• Certification of Maintenance form (PDF)

Residents regulated under Bylaw 3479 are eligible for an inspection with costs shared by the CRD. There is limited funding and a limited number of spots available. Learn more:

• Cost Share Inspection Invitation for Bylaw 3479 Residents (PDF)

Island Health (VIHA)

The health authority holds records of septic system installation and repairs, investigates septic complaints, and enforces orders for repairs if there is a health hazard in the community (raw sewage being exposed).

• Property Owners Brochure (PDF)
• Sewerage & Subdivision Website
• Contact Info

Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC)

Certifies Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioners (ROWP) who can plan, install, maintain or inspect a septic system in BC.

• Onsite Wastewater Systems in BC (PDF)
• ASTTBC Website
• ROWP Practice Guidelines

Ministry of Health

MoH is responsible for administering the Sewerage System Regulation (SSR), pursuant to the Public Health Act, which governs the design, construction, and maintenance of onsite sewage systems in BC.

• BC Onsite Sewage Systems Website
• Guidelines and Resources