Septic System Rebate Program

• How to apply

  Pre-approval application and claim forms will be available when the program launches. Check back here in early June 2026.

• Eligibility

  Work must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for a rebate.

  Work must be:

  1. Listed as an Eligible Action (see Table 1 below)
  2. Performed:
     1. by an Authorized Person (see definition below in Section 2);
     2. on a pre-existing septic system (new installations are not eligible)
     3. on a property in the Comox Valley Regional District Electoral Areas A, B, or C that has not previously received a similar septic system rebate 
  3. Completed in the current year (i.e. for 2026, work completed between January 1 – December 31, 2026)

  
  Rebates are not available for new septic systems or septic tank pump-outs.

  Table 1 – CVRD Septic System Maintenance Rebates

  Maximum Rebate	CVRD will cover	Eligible Action
  $100	75% of cost, up to maximum	Effluent Filter Installation or Maintenance Effluent filters intercept solids before they enter the drainfield, prolonging its effectiveness. Important note: Effluent filters must be cleaned regularly to ensure they function effectively.
  $200	75% of cost, up to maximum	Distribution Box Installation or Maintenance A distribution box evenly distributes effluent to each of the drainfield’s pipes, reducing the risk of overload.
  $400	75% of cost, up to maximum	Access Riser Installation or Maintenance Access risers provide easier access to the septic tank and important components, simplifying pump-outs and routine maintenance.
  $500	75% of cost, up to maximum	System Inspection by an Authorized Person

• How to locate an Authorized Person for eligibility

  Septic system maintenance needs to be completed by an Authorized Person. Depending on your system specifications, the Authorized Person will be a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner or a qualified Professional Engineer or Geoscientist holding a license for the relevant Authorized Area of Reserved Practice.

  Type 1 and 2 systems can be maintained by a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP).

  To find a ROWP, visit: asttbc.org/registrants/registrant-directory

  Using the Advanced Search menu, select ‘ROWP’ from the Registry Subclass list, and ‘Practising’ from the Registry Status list, then click Submit to filter the database.

  Search tips:

  • Sort location alphabetically, click the up arrow in the Employer/Business City header.
  • Leave ‘Registry Discipline’ and ‘Business City’ search bars blank to see a complete list of ROWPs.

  Maintenance for Type 3 systems and systems with a design flow greater than 9,100 litres/day requires a qualified Professional Engineer or Geoscientist registered with EGBC (The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of BC).

  To find a qualified Professional, visit: tools.egbc.ca/Registrant-Directory/Individual-Registrants

When to Apply

• Option 1: Apply for pre-approval before completing work

  A portion of the rebate budget is allocated to the pre-approval reserve. Owners are encouraged to submit a pre-approval application to secure funding before completing work. The CVRD will assess the pre-approval application and provide notification of your pre-approval status. Upon CVRD confirmation of pre-approval, the funds for the eligible work are reserved for 90 days. Funds will be reallocated if your completed claim form has not been received by the end of the pre-approval period. The final value of the rebate will be determined following assessment of the submitted claim form and supporting documentation, following completion of work.

• Option 2: Submit Your Claim After the Work is Completed

  Once the work has been completed, submit the following documents to the CVRD:

  • Rebate Claim Form
  • Copy of the invoice, including separate line items detailing the eligible actions completed
  • Proof of payment for the work

  Your claim must be received no later than December 31 of the year work was completed. If you secured funding through pre-approval, your claim must be received before the end of your pre-approval period. Please allow 6 weeks for payment.