Sewage

Last updated on March 31, 2021

Sewage (or wastewater) from homes and businesses is treated and discharged from treatment facilities throughout the province. Facilities vary in size, treatment level and ownership type. Most large scale treatment facilities in the province are owned and operated by municipalities or regional governments.

Authorization

Reclaimed water usage and municipal wastewater discharges must be authorized. The appropriate authorization will depend on the type of water reuse, type of discharge or rate of discharge.

Discharges to ground (>22.7m3/d) and most discharges to water and reclaimed water uses, are authorized under the Environmental Management Act by one of the following instruments.

Discharges to ground (<22.7m3/d), including sewerage systems which serve a single family residence, are authorized under the Public Health Act.