Onsite Wastewater Systems
In many areas, homes and businesses do not have a communal sewage disposal system to connect to. In these circumstances, an Onsite Wastewater Disposal System is needed to safely contain or dispose of liquid waste.
Onsite wastewater systems can include Holding Tanks, Septic Tanks, Chamber Systems, Absorption Fields, Mounds, Jets and Lagoons. It is recommended that an experienced installer be contacted to carry out the installation, and in certain sensitive areas this may be mandatory. Which system you are permitted to install and use will depend on several factors. The following steps will guide you through the application process right through to passing inspection, so you can safely enjoy the use of your system for years to come.
- The first step to determine which system would be appropriate for your circumstances is to read the Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Disposal Guide. This guide will discuss minimum required setback distances, installation requirements, soil testing and more, to help walk you through the design and installation process.
- Once you have read the Onsite Wastewater Disposal Guide, and have completed the appropriate worksheets, please complete the Onsite Sewage Disposal Application Form and submit all paperwork to your local public health inspector office for review.
- Upon receipt of approval you may now begin the construction and installation process for your system. Ensure the system remains uncovered/open until you speak with a Public Health Inspector, as they may require an onsite inspection prior to the system being covered over.
- Once the installation has passed the inspection process, a signed permit will be issued.
- Effective November 1st, 2026, installers who design the systems they install must hold valid certification and register that certification with the SHA. Installers who are not certified will be required to work with a certified designer and must provide the designer’s name and contact information when applying for a private sewage works permit.
- Recognized certification includes the Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Course offered by The Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Management Association or any other courses recognized by a provincial government.
- To be included on the SHA registry, completed Private Sewage Works Designer Registration Forms and proof of certification must be submitted to your local environmental public health office.
- Designers listed in the registry may be referenced by the public and other stakeholders seeking qualified professionals for private sewage works design, through the list available on SHA’s website.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact your local public health inspector.
