Sewer and Septic in Sooke

The District of Sooke owns and operates the community’s sanitary sewer system, providing safe and environmentally responsible wastewater collection and treatment for residents and businesses within the Sewer Specified Area.

What the Sewer System Includes

The system is made up of:

• A network of underground pipes
• Pump stations
• The Sooke Wastewater Treatment Plant, where wastewater is processed and safely treated before being discharged in accordance with provincial and federal regulations

What We Do

The District’s wastewater team:

• Maintains and operates the collection system and Treatment Plant
• Monitors system performance and ensures environmental compliance
• Plans and delivers upgrades to support community growth and protect public health
• Manages sewer connections and permitting for new development within the SSA

Sewer Service Area (SSA)

Sewer service is currently available within the Sewer Specified Area, which includes most of the town centre and nearby neighbourhoods.
Any expansion of this service area requires Council approval and is guided by long-term planning, environmental considerations, and available system capacity.

Planning for the Future

The District continues to study potential future service areas to support responsible community growth, in areas such as:

• Town Centre
• Henlyn Drive (east of Erinan)
• North Otter Point / Burr Road
• Helgesen Road

These studies help identify technical feasibility and funding opportunities, including provincial and federal grants that can reduce costs for residents.

Sewer Connection and Inquiries

For help with sewer connection requirements, contact:

Wastewater Services
wastewater@sooke.ca
250-642-1634

Many Sooke properties outside the sewer service area rely on private septic systems. When properly maintained, septic systems are an effective and environmentally friendly way to treat household wastewater. When they fail, however, they can cause costly damage, pollution, and health risks.

Homeowner Responsibilities

If your property has a septic system, you are responsible for:

• Regular inspections (every 3–5 years)
• Pumping the tank as needed
• Protecting the drainfield (no parking, compacting, or heavy planting)
• Watching for signs of problems such as odours, slow drains, or wet spots in the yard

Learn More About Septic Care

• Video – Part One: How Septic Systems Work
• Video – Part Two: What Can Go Wrong With Your Septic System
• Video – Part Three: Operating and Maintaining a Septic System
• How to Care for Your Residential Septic System Brochure (PDF)
• Info Sheet – An introduction to your septic system (PDF)
• Info sheet – Protect your system(PDF)
• Info sheet – Inspect your system(PDF)
• Info sheet – Maintain your system (PDF)

The Sewer Specified Area is the part of Sooke that is connected to the District’s sanitary sewer system. Most of the town centre and nearby neighbourhoods are included. Properties outside the SSA rely on septic systems.

Not automatically. Sewer service expansion requires Council approval and must align with long-term infrastructure planning, environmental considerations, and system capacity. Contact Wastewater Services to confirm your property’s status.

The Treatment Plant collects, treats, and safely discharges wastewater in accordance with provincial and federal regulations. It protects public health and local waterways by removing contaminants before the treated water is released.

The District of Sooke owns and operates the community’s sewer infrastructure, including the Wastewater Treatment Plant, pipes, and pump stations. Staff monitor the system, perform maintenance, and plan for upgrades to ensure it continues to operate safely and efficiently.

This service is funded by the users who are connected to the sewer system, through annual sewer service fees.

The District uses master planning and technical studies to review potential future service areas. Past studies have looked at Kaltasin, Whiffin Spit, Town Centre expansion, Henlyn Drive, North Otter Point/Burr Road, and Helgesen Road. Any expansion depends on feasibility, cost, and funding opportunities.

Homeowners with septic systems should ensure their system is properly cared for, including regular inspections, pumping the tank as needed, protecting the drainfield, and watching for signs of failure such as odours, slow drains, or puddles near the system.

Taking care of your system is good practice and can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs, early system failure, and potential damage to your property.

Typically every 3–5 years, depending on household size and usage. A certified septic professional can provide recommendations based on your system.

A failing system can contaminate water, damage your property, and risk your health. It may also require expensive repairs or replacement. Signs of failure should be addressed immediately by a professional.

No. While they may remove grease from your dishes, the grease cools and hardens inside underground pipes, eventually causing blockages.

Fats, oils, and grease break down naturally under landfill conditions. They cause much bigger environmental and financial problems when they enter sewer or septic systems.

Residents can take up to 10 litres of clean, used cooking oil (such as deep-fryer oil) to the Hartland Landfill recycling area for free.

Yes. Even small amounts of grease build up over time. Grease blockages can cause sewer backups, pipe damage, and costly repairs—both on private property and in the public system.

Yes. Commercial kitchens in the CRD must have grease traps and follow maintenance requirements. The CRD enforces these rules through monitoring and inspections.

Everyone shares responsibility—residents, businesses, and government. The public system can only function properly if individuals manage their household waste responsibly.