Source Water Protection
Septic System Inspection Program
Contact Us
For information on the Septic System Inspection certificate and submissions please contact Building Division, for other enquiries please contact the Risk Management Office.
Building Division
[email protected]
905-546-2720
Source Protection Planning
[email protected]
905-546-2424 ext.6099
Source Water Protection
Septic Inspection Notice
If you've received an inspection notice:
- Hire a qualified septic system contractor or consulting engineering firm
- Schedule your septic system inspection
- Submit the completed form to the City
Septic systems require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly and protect groundwater quality. As a best practice, all property owners with septic systems are encouraged to have their systems inspected and serviced every three to five years, and in some cases, tested annually where a treatment unit forms part of your septic system.
For properties located within highly vulnerable municipal wellhead protection areas, inspections are mandatory. Property owners in these areas must have their systems inspected every five years and submit documentation of the inspection to the City as part of the program requirements.
Property owners within the wellhead protection areas will receive a notification letter from the City when an inspection is required.
This program supports provincial requirements under the Ontario Building Code, the Clean Water Act and each watershed based Source Protection Plan.
Online Information Session
Notice of Collection
The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of Sections 10 and 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for Septic System Inspection Program will be used as part of pre-registration for the virtual public meeting. By providing your email address, you are consenting to receiving emails from the City of Hamilton and/or their agents/contractors as emails will be sent to registrants to confirm registration, provide reminders, share updates, and follow-up communications. Questions about the collection of this personal information can be directed to the Project Manager, Customer Service and Community Outreach, Hamilton Water, Public Works, 330 Wentworth Street North, Hamilton ON, L8L 5W2, 905-546-2424 Ext. 5924, [email protected]
Source Water Protection
Septic Inspection Process
Step 1: Receive Notification
The City sends notification letters to properties located within highly vulnerable wellhead protection areas advising that a septic system inspection is required.
Step 2: Hire a Qualified Contractor or Consulting Engineering Firm
Property owners must hire a qualified septic system contractor or consulting engineering firm to complete the inspection. Contractors can be found through industry organizations such as:
Step 3: Septic System Inspection
The contractor will inspect the septic system and confirm whether it is functioning properly. The inspection may include reviewing:
- Septic tank condition
- Age and type of system
- Signs of system failure
Step 4: Complete Any Required Repairs
If the inspection identifies issues, repairs or upgrades must be completed to bring the system into compliance. Building permits may be required depending on the type of work.
Step 5: Submit Inspection Documentation
The contractor will complete the required inspection form. Completed forms must be submitted to the City.
The City of Hamilton requires septic system inspections for properties located within highly vulnerable wellhead protection areas. This section provides guidance for contractors performing inspections.
Step 1: Perform the Septic System Inspection
Conduct the inspection in accordance with the City’s program requirements.
Step 2: Report Required Repairs or Upgrades
If the inspection identifies any issues, inform the property owner of the repairs or upgrades needed.
Important: Under the Ontario Building Code, the contractor or consulting engineering firm performing the inspection cannot complete any repairs or upgrades themselves.
Step 3: Submit the Form and Certificate
Once the property owner has completed any required repairs or upgrades, submit the completed Inspection Form and Inspection Certificate to the City by emailing it to [email protected].
- Septic System Inspection Form
- Septic System Inspection Certificate (Article 1.10.2.5. of the Ontario Building Code)
Email completed Inspection Form & Certificate to [email protected]
Septic System Maintenance
Addressing issues early can help prevent more significant system failures and environmental impacts. Signs Your Septic System May Be Failing:
Proper maintenance extends the life of your system and protects groundwater.
Septic System Inspection Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Your property is located within a highly vulnerable wellhead protection area for a municipal drinking water supply well. Septic systems in these areas have a higher potential to affect drinking water if they are not functioning properly.
To protect drinking water sources, inspections are required under:
- The Ontario Building Code
- The Clean Water Act
- Local Source Protection Plans
Inspections must be completed by a qualified septic system contractor or consulting engineering firm.
You can search for contractors through industry organizations such as:
Costs may include contractor fees, as well as any required repairs or upgrades. Costs will vary depending on the system and contractor. The City does not charge a processing fee.
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