The Zenith onsite septic system is a sustainable biological system that meets Québec’s strict regulatory requirements for advanced wastewater treatment.
Homeowners using a Zenith system can feel confident that the environment around them is being protected with clean, treated water. Their investment is backed for over 30 years with annual maintenance carried out consistently—with expertise and care.
Certified to the strict standards of the Bureau de normalisation du Québec and approved by all municipalities
Protects your environment and drinking water with advanced treatment performance
Dedicated after-sales service that meets Québec’s annual maintenance requirements
Patented media guaranteed for 30 years, ensuring exceptional durability
The patented Bionest media is a bacterial support specially designed to provide a large surface area for the bacteria that perform the treatment. It also offers protection against harmful substances and occasional water surges.
It comes with a 30-year warranty covering parts and labour. In 25 years, we have never had to replace the media in any installation. Overall, the Bionest media is built to last forever.
An advanced secondary treatment (AST) septic system in Québec is designed to treat domestic wastewater better than conventional systems, that is, it removes a higher number of pollutants within the system itself. It includes a septic tank for primary treatment and an advanced treatment unit—in this case, the Bionest bioreactor.
The treated water is then discharged into a polishing bed that is approximately 60% smaller than a conventional drain field. The system also generally has a longer lifespan than a standard septic system.
A tertiary septic system with ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is an advanced treatment solution designed to treat domestic wastewater to the level of advanced secondary treatment, but with a dramatically increased reduction of fecal coliforms.
Following primary and advanced secondary treatment, the water is exposed to UV light to reduce fecal coliform levels. After this step, it can be safely discharged directly into the environment.
| Performance of the Zenith system | Regulatory Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemical Oxygen Demand over 5 days (BOD5) | 4 mg/L | 15 mg/L |
| Total Suspended Solids (TSS) | 3 mg/L | 15 mg/L |
| Fecal Coliforms (in CFU/100 ml before reactivation) | AST - 4,000 / With UV - 2 | AST - 50,000 / With UV - 20 |
We get it—it’s not always easy. That’s why we’ve created a practical guide that walks you through the key steps, challenges, and solutions involved in this kind of project.
Certified by the BNQ and accepted by all municipalities in Québec, the Zenith septic system is a long-lasting solution you can count on, year after year.
Still have questions after reading the guide? Our advisors are here to support you with personalized answers and guidance.
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In some cases, yes. The first step is to check with your municipality.
If you’re upgrading an existing system to meet current standards, the Québec government offers a tax credit of up to $5,500.
Visit their website for more information.
A regulatory system upgrade involves assessing whether an existing septic system is still functioning properly—and if not, replacing it with a new one. The goal is to protect both public health and the environment.
The cost of a septic system depends on several factors: the type of treatment required, the size of the residence, and the labour involved in the installation. Only a licensed installer can provide an accurate quote.
To give you a general idea, the cost of a septic system with advanced secondary treatment for a three-bedroom home in Québec typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on the region and the technology selected.
Absolutely! Your regional advisor is familiar with the key professionals in your area. Send them an email through our Contact Us page, and they’ll be happy to help.
The Zenith septic system consists of two tanks: the primary reactor and the biological reactor. The primary reactor includes a pre-filter that helps prevent large pollutants from entering the next stage. A recirculation pump in the biological reactor sends some of the water back to the primary tank to optimize treatment.
An external control panel, called the Bio-R, is installed near the tanks. It houses the aerator and a high-level alarm system.
The treated water is distributed into a polishing bed—similar to a traditional drain field but about 60% smaller—for final soil infiltration. It can also be directed to a UV disinfection unit (Bio-UV) before being safely returned to the environment.
Proper ventilation is essential for any stand-alone treatment system. Depending on the terrain, a lift pump may also be required—regardless of the treatment technology used.
Did you know the Québec government offers a tax credit of up to $5,500 for upgrading your septic system? It’s the perfect time to optimize your installation while lowering your costs!
Be sure to check with your municipality as well—some offer additional financial assistance programs.
