Sewage and Septic Systems

Applications and checklist

You need to fill out an application to get a permit for a septic system. 

The application can be used to get a permit for:

• A new septic system
• Septic tank replacement
• Repair of an old or malfunctioning septic system

Is your application complete? Consult our building permit application checklist.

You must complete both applications below:

• Permit to construct or repair form
• Schedule A

Property roll numbers must be filled out on all applications.

Submission and payment options

• See our application submission options
• See our payment options
  Please note that applications submitted without the applicable payment will not be processed.

Employee safety is the Region’s top priority

Please ensure sites are cleared of any hazards or obstacles so our inspectors can complete the required inspections safely. If our inspectors are unable to access the site safely a follow-up inspection will be booked when the site is cleared.

Unsafe conditions may include, but are not limited to:

• Excessively wet/muddy conditions.
• Snow/ice covered lot.
• Site restrictions/obstructions preventing a safe path.

Additional resources

• Fee schedule (fees increase on April 1 each year)
• Lot diagram

Use the building addition application form when a building department or another Health Department program asks for our comments when you are applying for an addition to your home, for a new structure on your property (e.g. garage, pool) or for the change of use of a building (e.g. adding a home-based business). 

Provide detailed information on the proposed changes under "Description of proposed construction and/or change of use".

Property roll numbers must be filled out on all applications.

See our application submission options

Additional resources

• How to locate your septic system
• Fee schedule (fees increase on April 1 each year)
• Lot diagram

Our Health Protection Division holds the septic system records for all municipalities except for the City of Oshawa.

• Records are provided for free to the current property owner.
• We do not have records prior 1974.
• We only have records for properties that we have received an application for.
• Responses may take up to ten business days once all documents are received.

Who can access septic system records

• Current property owner.
• Current property owner’s designate. (In-person only, call for details on requirements.)
• Current property owner’s listing agent.

Durham Region Health Department recognizes that the use of email is a commonly used and preferred form of communication.

By using email communication, you acknowledge and understand that:

• You are agreeing to be contacted by email and will always keep your contact information up to date.
• Sharing of personal and/or personal health information through email should be kept to a minimum.
• Any personal and/or personal health information that you provide to us through email will only be used to respond to your message and/or provide you with the requested information.
• While steps are taken to protect the privacy and security of emails, sending and receiving emails over the internet is not secure. We cannot guarantee the security of any emails sent or received.
• You may withdraw your consent to the use of email at any time by contacting us.
• You will not use email for emergency or urgent health care matters.

There are five different kinds of sewage systems.

Durham Region Health Department has been contracted by the Township of Brock and the Township of Uxbridge to conduct their Maintenance Inspection Program for the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. These inspections are being conducted to help ensure the proper operation and maintenance of sewage systems.

Frequently asked questions

For further information contact us at 1-866-845-1868 ext 4939.

• SepticSmart! booklet
• Septic system installation video
• Septic system dos and don’ts video
• Find a qualified installer or firm
• How to locate your septic system
• Clearance distances for septic systems
• Durham Region lot sizing policy

While many of us are currently spending more time at home, septic systems are receiving more waste water each day than usual.

Follow these tips to help reduce the stress on your septic system:

• Conserve water and try to spread water use over the course of the week, especially laundry.
• Do NOT put food, compost or grease down your drains.
• Avoid excessive use of bleaches and harsh cleaning products.
• Consider having the septic tank pumped if it has not been done in the last three to five years. This will increase the space available in the tank for the sewage coming in.
• Clean the effluent filter in the tank (these will be in newer tanks only).
• Holding tanks will need more frequent pumping. PLAN AHEAD and set up pumping appointments before the tank is full.
• Make an appointment for an annual maintenance inspection if you have a treatment unit.
• Check for leaking plumbing inside the house.
• Do NOT put backwash waste from a water softener into the septic system.

This is also a good time to inspect the sewage system and make changes on your property that will help prolong the life of your sewage system.

• Inspect septic tank lids for signs of cracks or evidence of sewage leaking out.
• Make sure that surface water from gutters and sump pumps is directed away from the septic tank and leaching bed area.
• Check for signs of malfunction (e.g. grass over the leaching bed is unusually spongy, sewage odour in the yard, surface ponding of sewage and/or algae growth around the septic tank or leaching bed).
• Do NOT plant shrubs or trees in the area of the leaching bed.
• Do NOT drain hot tub or pool waste water to the septic system or on the ground in the area of the septic system.