How do I install a well and septic system on raw land in Rocky View County? What is the permits process?

Installing a well and septic system on raw land in Rocky View County requires multiple permits, professional contractors, and coordination between Rocky View County and Alberta Health Services. This is a complex process that typically takes 2-4 months and costs $25,000-$50,000+ depending on soil conditions, depth to water, and system size.

Rocky View County Permit Process

Rocky View County handles the overall development permits and building permits for your property. You'll need to contact them at 403-230-1401 or visit rockyview.ca to start the process. The County will require a development permit for any new dwelling and associated infrastructure. For raw land development, you'll typically need a site plan showing the proposed location of your home, well, septic system, and access road. The County enforces setback requirements between wells, septic systems, and property lines - typically 30 meters between well and septic, with additional setbacks from property boundaries.

Well Installation and Permits

Well drilling in Alberta requires a licensed water well contractor registered with the Alberta Water Well Drilling Association (AWWDA). The contractor must obtain a Water Act approval from Alberta Environment and Parks before drilling. You cannot drill a well yourself - this must be done by a licensed professional. The well contractor will handle the permit application, but you'll need to provide property details and intended water use. Typical residential wells in Rocky View County range from 50-300 feet deep, with costs of $8,000-$20,000 depending on depth and pump requirements. The contractor must submit completion reports to Alberta Environment within 30 days of finishing the well.

Septic System Design and Approval

Septic systems in Rocky View County fall under Alberta Health Services (AHS) jurisdiction through the Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice. You'll need a qualified Professional Engineer or Professional Technologist to design your septic system based on a detailed soil assessment (percolation test and soil profile). The design must account for your home's bedroom count, soil conditions, groundwater levels, and proximity to water sources. AHS Environmental Public Health office in Airdrie (403-943-2288) handles the approval process. The soil assessment alone costs $1,500-$3,000, and the engineered design adds another $2,000-$4,000.

Installation Requirements and Inspections

Once approved, septic installation must be done by a contractor certified under the Safety Codes Council of Alberta. The installer needs permits from Rocky View County's Safety Codes Officers for the installation. Multiple inspections are required: excavation inspection before backfilling, final inspection before system activation, and sometimes mid-installation inspections for complex systems. The septic contractor coordinates these inspections, but delays can occur during busy seasons. Installation costs typically range from $15,000-$35,000 for conventional systems, with advanced treatment units costing significantly more in challenging soil conditions.

Timeline and Coordination Challenges

The biggest challenge is coordinating multiple approval bodies and contractors. Start with Rocky View County's development permit process while simultaneously beginning your soil assessment for the septic design. Well drilling can often proceed in parallel once you have the Water Act approval. However, you cannot install the septic system until you have an approved design from AHS and permits from Rocky View County. Budget 8-16 weeks for the entire approval and installation process, with potential delays during spring construction season when contractors and inspectors are busiest.

Next Steps

Contact Rocky View County first to discuss your development plans and confirm zoning allows residential development. Simultaneously, engage a qualified engineer or technologist for your septic soil assessment - this is often the longest part of the approval process. Get quotes from licensed well drillers and septic installers early, as good contractors book months in advance. Remember that both your well and septic system will need ongoing maintenance and periodic inspections to remain compliant with Alberta regulations.