What are the rules for a septic system in Quebec?

In Quebec, septic installations are governed by the Regulation on wastewater disposal for isolated residences (Q-2, r.22) of the MDDELCC:

Requirements:

• A soil study (percolation test) is mandatory before any installation. Study cost: $500 to $1,200
• The septic tank must have a minimum capacity of 2,000 litres for a 3-bedroom house, 2,800 L for 4 bedrooms
• Minimum distance from the house: 3 meters
• Minimum distance from a well: 15 meters (varies based on soil permeability)
• Minimum distance from property line (ditch, lake): 15 meters

Types of systems:

• Leach field (conventional): Perforated pipes in the ground, for permeable soil. Cost: $5,000 to $12,000
• System with polisher (Biofilter): For low-permeability soil. Cost: $12,000 to $25,000

Installation must be carried out by a company holding the RBQ contractor licence subclass 2.4, Contractor – Private sewerage systems: septic tanks and leach fields fall within that field, not within the master pipe mechanics' field — the CMMTQ has no role there, whether for the licence or for the qualification. Tank pumping is recommended every 2 to 4 years.