Onsite Sewage System Maintenance Bylaw No. 3479
Colwood, Langford, Saanich, View Royal
Septic systems are intended to be a long-term wastewater solution in many areas of the region. Therefore, several municipalities have taken steps to ensure the systems in their community are maintained at regular intervals by joining the Onsite Sewage System Maintenance Bylaw No. 3479 service. This bylaw service requires regular maintenance of onsite sewage systems (septic systems) and provides homeowners with reminders and follow up notifications as well as educational materials to support them in proper operation and maintenance of their system. Regular maintenance of systems ensures their proper functioning, protects the environment and local water quality, and extends the lifespan of the system. Visit Protecting Your Septic System for care & maintenance information.
North Saanich
The District of North Saanich voted in favour of joining the onsite service at the September 25, 2023 regular council meeting. The bylaw will take effect for North Saanich residents on January 1, 2025 and more info will be provided to residents at that time including a phased compliance time period.
Types of Systems
The CRD Septic Maintenance Bylaw has different requirements for different types of systems. Under provincial regulations there are three Types of Systems:
- Type 1: Treatment by a septic tank and dispersal field only (either gravity fed or pumped)
- Type 2: Treatment that produces a higher quality effluent, usually a package treatment plant
- Type 3: Treatment that produces an even higher quality effluent, usually a package treatment plant with additional treatment such as ultraviolet disinfection.
Bylaw Requirements at a Glance
| Type 1 Systems |
Types 2 & 3 Systems |
At least every 5 years:
- pump out the system (2-5 years)
- keep records
- the pump out will be reported to CRD
by the septage treatment facility
|
Annually
- maintain the system by an Authorized Person (annually)
- keep records
- submit a Certification of Maintenance form
to CRD
|
Type 1 Bylaw Requirements
Owners of Type 1 systems are required to pump out their system every five years. For example, a pump out on February 1, 2025 is required to pump again by February 1, 2030. Five years is intended to be a maximum time frame; many systems require more frequent pumping depending on the size of the tank and the activities in your home i.e., every 2-5 years. The septage receiving facility will notify the CRD of your pump out; however, owners are advised to keep their receipts as proof of service.
This pump out requirement is a minimum amount of maintenance. Systems installed after 2005 are also required by provincial regulation to follow their prescribed maintenance plan. For those owners under the bylaw who wish to be proactive with their maintenance and develop a custom maintenance plan, an inspection cost share program is available (info below).
Types 2 and 3 Bylaw Requirements
Owners of Type 2 or Type 3 systems are required to have their system maintained by an Authorized Person at least once per calendar year. They are also required to follow the maintenance plan for the system, which may require more frequent maintenance i.e., quarterly. A CRD Certification of Maintenance form must be completed by an Authorized Person once the maintenance is complete, and submitted to the CRD annually. A copy of this form must also be retained by owners and be available to the CRD upon request. Homeowners should ensure they receive this form before paying their invoice from their service provider.
Inspection Cost Share Program for Type 1 Systems
Properties that are within the bylaw area with a Type 1 system are eligible for a Maintenance Assessment inspection with costs shared by the CRD. There is limited funding and a limited number of spots available. The bylaw requires Type 1 systems to be pumped out at least once every five years. Regular pump outs are an important step, however, septic system maintenance involves more than just pumping out the tank. Each component of the system from the tank to the field should be examined periodically to determine that it is structurally sound and functioning correctly. The goal of a Maintenance Assessment is to determine condition, location and operation of all septic system components. A customized maintenance and monitoring program can then be recommended that determines the degree and type of maintenance required and the frequency of visits that best suit the system and your usage. Proceeding with any recommendation is voluntary. The Maintenance Assessment is best completed prior to the system being pumped out.