Soil Survey for Sanitation: What Is It For, and How Does It Work?

Do you need to install or renovate an individual sanitation system (such as a septic tank)?
Before starting the work, a soil survey is mandatory. Here’s what you need to know.

Why do a soil survey?
A soil survey helps to:

1. • Determine which sanitation system is suitable for your land,
   • Comply with current regulations,
   • Avoid costly mistakes in the future.

It is an essential step to obtain approval from the SPANC (the service that inspects installations).

How does it work?
A hydrogeologist visits your land to:

1. 1. Assess the terrain configuration (slope, access, surface area, etc.),
   2. Conduct soil sampling to understand its composition,
   3. Test the soil’s permeability.

Then, they will give you a clear report including:

1. • The recommended type of installation (e.g., compact filter, drainage field…),
   • A basic layout diagram of the system,
   • The documents to submit to the SPANC.

In summary

• Required before any sanitation project
• Helps choose a reliable and compliant solution
• Performed by a qualified professional
• Required to obtain approval from local authorities