Private Wells and Sewage Disposal Systems

On July 21, 1997, the St. John’s Municipal Council passed the St. John’s Rural Sanitation By-Law

The by-law specifies that no installation or replacement of a private sewage disposal or private water supply system on properties located in the City of St. John’s may be carried out unless a permit has been first issued by the City’s Inspection Services Division.

The by-law specifies that any applications for the installation or replacement of a private sewage disposal or water supply system for new or existing residences or buildings in the City are to be referred to the City’s Inspection Services Division for a permit. In addition, the by-law specifies that any property in the City of St. John’s which is to be developed with a private on-site water system must install an artesian (drilled) well as a condition of approval of the application.

Prior to issuing a permit for the installation or replacement of a private sewage disposal or private water supply system, the City’s Inspection Services Division will forward the application to the Provincial Government Service Centre, Service NL (or the City of St. John’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Regulatory Services where applicable). Service NL will then forward comments on the application directly to the City.

Where provincial approval has been granted, the City’s Inspection Services Division issue a permit for the installation or replacement of the private sewage disposal or private water supply system. A $2,000 refundable deposit from the applicant will be required before any permits are issued by the City. This deposit will be refunded to the applicant upon receipt from Service NL that the private sewage disposal or private water supply system had been property sited and installed.

A Final Occupancy Certificate will not be issued by the City’s Inspection Services Division for a residence or building until written verification has been received from Service NL that the private sewage disposal or private water supply system has been inspected and found to have been properly sited and installed.

Further Information
Any person requiring further information on submitting an application for the installation or replacement of a private sewage disposal and water supply system for a new or existing residence or building in the City of St. John’s should contact:

Inspection Services Division
City of St. John’s
P.O. Box 908
St. John’s NL, A1C 5M2

Phone: (709) 576-8049
Fax: (709) 576-8160