Private Sewage Works

Private Sewage Systems

Private sewage works are privately owned systems located on a single property and used for the collection, storage, transmission, treatment or disposal of sewage. These systems are commonly used on farmyards or rural acreages where municipal sewer services are not available.

In Saskatchewan, the Private Sewage Works Regulations and the Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Disposal Guide set out the minimum design and installation requirements for private sewage works. Under these regulations, public health inspectors are responsible for issuing permits, inspecting newly installed systems, and investigating complaints related to existing systems.

The Ministry of Health is responsible for the Private Sewage Works Regulations. Administration and enforcement are carried out by the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the cities of Regina and Lloydminster.

Please note that the Shoreland Pollution Control Regulations, 1976 currently apply to sewage disposal systems located in shoreland development areas. These regulations will be incorporated into the Private Sewage Works Regulations effective November 1, 2026. Anyone planning to construct a private sewage works near a water body should review these regulations before proceeding.

Upcoming Changes – Effective November 1, 2026

Effective November 1, 2026, amendments to the Private Sewage Works Regulations and the Shoreland Pollution Control Regulations, 1976 will come into effect. Key changes include:

Designer Certification: Anyone who designs a private sewage works, other than a standard septic tank installation or a jet-type disposal system, will be required to hold a provincially recognized certification for the design or installation of private sewage works. An example of an acceptable credential is the Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training Program offered by the Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Management Association (SOWMA).

Private Sewage Works Permits: The permit fee for a private sewage works will increase from $30 to $100. Permit applications will also require additional documentation, including:

• the name of the certified designer;
• a site evaluation report; and
• construction drawings.

Refer to the Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Disposal Guide for detailed application requirements.

Shoreland Pollution Control Requirements: The requirements previously set out in the Shoreland Pollution Control Regulations, 1976 have been updated and fully incorporated into the Private Sewage Works Regulations, effective November 1, 2026. These changes:

• provide additional options for private sewage works located more than 150m from the high-water mark; and
• require newly constructed privies and outdoor toilets in shoreland development areas to discharge into a minimum 1,000-gallon holding tank.

As a result, the Shoreland Pollution Control Regulations, 1976 will be repealed on November 1, 2026.

Public Health Complaints

Concerns or inquiries about plumbing and/or sewage disposal systems may be directed to the public health inspector in your area.