The District of North Saanich Public Works department includes a network of municipal water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure.
Water
The District’s municipal water is supplied through the Saanich Peninsula Water System, which is operated by the Capital Regional District (CRD). Within the District of North Saanich, water is distributed through a network of water mains and pressure zones controlled by pressure-reducing valve (PRV) stations. The components of the CRD’s Saanich Peninsula Water System which directly supply to the District include Transmission Main #4, the Lowe Road Pump station, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Dean Park Reservoirs, the McTavish Reservoir, the Deep Cove Pump station, and the Cloake Hill Reservoir.
Water mains run underground below the streets and boulevards throughout North Saanich and connect to the water meter at the property line of your home. If you see water gushing onto the street, contact the public works department immediately as a water main or water service line may have broken.
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: 250-656-0781
- After hours, including statutory holidays: 250-920-9235
Annual Water Main Flushing
Water main flushing occurs annually throughout the District to remove sediment and maintain satisfactory water quality within the distribution system. Typically, the District flushes from late February to the end of May each year (weather dependent).
Temporary water discolouration and/or low water pressure may occur. This water discolouration is not a health hazard. If your water is discoloured, clear your water lines by turning on your cold water tap until the water runs clear.
Sewer
Wastewater is the mix of liquid and solids that we flush down toilets and drain down sinks every day. This material travels through our sanitary sewer system and into the Saanich Peninsula Wastewater Treatment Plant, maintained by the Capital Regional District (CRD). The District has 90 km of sanitary sewer pipe system and 13 sewer pump stations, which provide sanitary sewer service to the Dean Park Estates, South East Quadrant, Patricia Bay, Deep Cove, and McDonald Park sub-communities.
At the September 23, 2023 Regular Meeting, Council moved to join the CRD’s Bylaw No. 3479 for the regulation and maintenance of onsite sewage systems.
Septic systems play a crucial role in treating wastewater for homeowners in our region, particularly where public sewers aren’t an option due to cost or availability. These systems, also known as onsite wastewater treatment systems, manage household wastewater right where it’s generated. When functioning properly, septic systems are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. However, if they malfunction, they can pose significant environmental and health risks to our community and our natural environment.
North Saanich will be joining CRD Bylaw No. 3479 along with Colwood, Langford, Saanich, and View Royal in 2025 which will required properties with septic systems to adhere to specific maintenance requirements based on the septic system they have (Type 1 or Type 2 and 3).
The bylaw requires owners with Type 1 systems to pump out their system every five years. Owners of Type 2 and 3 systems package treatment plants are required to maintain their system according to the maintenance plan for the system, and ensure it is maintained by an Authorized Person at least once per calendar year. A Certification of Maintenance form must be completed by an Authorized Person and sent in to the CRD annually.
For more information on the requirements of the bylaw please visit the following page:
Protecting Your Septic System | CRD
To contact the CRD regarding septic systems, call 250.360.3187 or email septic@crd.bc.ca To report a malfunctioning septic system or for installation plans and drawings contact Island Health (VIHA) at 250.519.3401 or email gateway_office@viha.ca.
For information on the Provincial Sewerage System Regulation visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/sewage/onsite-sewage-systems
A copy of the bylaw can be found at the link below.
onsite-sewage-systems-bylaw-crd-bylaw-no-3479.pdf
Drainage
The District’s drainage system consists of creeks, ponds, ditches, ditches, swales, and pipes. In total, there are approximately 2,700 culverts, 170 km of ditches, 13 km of swales, and 70 km of pipe. Several creeks flow within North Saanich, including Tatlow (Chalet) Creek and Gardner Pond, Towner Creek, Blue Heron Creek, Tseycum Creek, Reay Creek, and TenTen Creek.
For more information, contact the Public Works department.
Stormwater Management
- Drainage Master Plans
- CRD Bylaw 2922 – A Bylaw to Regulate the Discharge of Waste into Sewers Connected to Sewage Facility Operated by the Capital Regional District
- CRD Rainwater Harvesting
