Permits and regulations

New BrunswickSeptic systems

New Brunswick requires a licensed installer and provincial approval before an onsite sewage system is installed, repaired or replaced. The system must be inspected before it is covered.

Reviewed June 17, 2026

Key facts

Before work begins

Main rulePublic Health Act and On-site Sewage Disposal System Regulation 2009-137

Approval authorityProvincial Technical Inspection Services and public health inspectors

General scopeInstallation, construction, repair and replacement of onsite sewage disposal systems.

Use a New Brunswick licensed onsite sewage installer.
Obtain provincial approval before installation, construction, repair or replacement.
Leave the completed system uncovered until the provincial inspection is finished.

General approval path

Choose a licensed installer and complete the required site and system information.

Submit the application for provincial assessment and approval.

Do not start work until the application is approved.

Arrange the provincial inspection before the system is covered and correct any deficiencies.

Important requirementChanges to an approved application also require inspector approval. Work that does not follow the approved application or regulation is subject to correction and re-inspection.

This page provides general information. Confirm property-specific requirements with the local and provincial authority before work begins.

Official government sources

New Brunswick onsite sewage disposal informationwww.gnb.ca/en/topic/laws-safety/licensing-inspections/technical-inspections/on-site-sewage-disposal.html

Regulation 2009-137laws.gnb.ca/en/showdoc/cr/2009-137

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