Septic System Maintenance Rebate Program

• 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 or under the supervision of an Authorized Person (see next dropdown list below for more details);
     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 or Maintenance by an Authorized Person To be eligible for this rebate, the owner will confirm receipt of a written report meeting applicable professional practice standards by: completing the Inspection/Maintenance Checklist; and providing a visual excerpt of the report showing the date work was completed, the property address where work was performed and the Authorized Person’s stamp.

• How to Locate an Authorized Person to Complete Work on Your System

  The Sewerage System Regulation requires that an owner retains the services of an Authorized Person to complete septic system maintenance. 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 with average daily flow less than 9,100 litres 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:

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

  
  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

• How to Apply

  Complete a Pre-Approval Application (optional but recommended) before the work is complete. Please only check off the maintenance actions for which you intend to or may have work done, as any discrepancies between your pre-approval application and your claim form may cause delays in processing your rebate. Please note that September 30 is the cutoff date for submitting pre-approval applications for the calendar year. Regardless of pre-approval status, submitted rebate claim forms are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the program budget is allocated/disbursed, to December 31 of the current calendar year.

  Then submit the following documents following work by an Authorized Person:

  1. Rebate Claim Form
  2. Copy of the invoice, including separate line items detailing the eligible actions completed
  3. If applicable, Septic System Inspection/Maintenance Checklist Form
  4. Proof of payment for the work
      

  Apply for your pre-approval here

  Complete your claim form here

When to Apply

• Option 1: Submit a Pre-Approval Application BEFORE Completing Work (Recommended - Until September 30)*

  STEP 1: 

  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. Please only check off the maintenance actions for which you intend to or may have work done, as any discrepancies between your pre-approval application and your claim form may cause delays in processing your rebate.

  Please note that September 30 is the cutoff date for submitting pre-approval applications for the calendar year. Regardless of pre-approval status, submitted rebate claim forms are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the program budget is allocated/disbursed, to December 31 of the current calendar year.

  When the CVRD provides 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.

  STEP 2: 

  Hire an Authorized Person to perform or supervise Eligible Action(s) (see Table 1 above).

  STEP 3:

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

  1. Rebate Claim Form
  2. Copy of the invoice, including separate line items detailing the eligible actions completed
  3. If applicable, Septic System Inspection/Maintenance Checklist Form
  4. 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 up to six weeks for payment.

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

  STEP 1: 

  Hire an Authorized Person to perform or supervise Eligible Action(s) (see Table 1 above).

  STEP 2:

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

  1. Rebate Claim Form
  2. Copy of the invoice, including separate line items detailing the eligible actions completed
  3. If applicable, Septic System Inspection/Maintenance Checklist Form
  4. Proof of payment for the work

  
  Your claim must be received no later than December 31 of the year work was completed. If your application is approved and if funding is still available, please allow up to six weeks for payment.