Septic systems are an important wastewater treatment option for homeowners in the capital region. Also known as onsite wastewater treatment systems, they provide household disposal of wastewater where sewers are either unavailable or too expensive.

If your system is working properly, it is an environmentally friendly and economically sound treatment option. If it's not working properly it can cause environmental issues and health issues in our community. 

Be Septic Savvy: Protect, Inspect, Maintain. 

Printable Septic Savvy Household Information Kit (available for pick up at most municipal halls and libraries (including the Southern Gulf Islands)

• How to Care for Your Residential Septic System Brochure (PDF)
• Septic System Maintenance & Location Record (PDF)
• 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)

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

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

Bylaw 3479

A Bylaw is in effect in Colwood, Langford, Saanich and View Royal:

• 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
• BC Standard Practice Manual