Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

Preventing Disease & Nuisances

The Environmental Health Division's goal is to prevent disease, nuisances, and eliminate improperly treated sewage by:

• Reviewing applications and plans as well as issuing permits.
• Inspecting disposal systems for proper installation or repair.
• Requiring anyone constructing, altering, or extending a private sewage disposal system to have a valid permit issued by the Health Department.
• Providing information about construction, operation, and maintenance to citizens and contractors.
• Homeowner Onsite Wastewater Educational Program

Tips for Taking Care of Your Onsite Wastewater Treatment System

• Know where your septic and drain field are located. Keep a sketch with your maintenance records.
• Inspect your septic tank every year.
• Have your system inspected/repaired if you have any problems.
• Conserve water to avoid overloading the system.
• Have your tank pumped every 2 to 3 years by a licensed septic pumper.
• Divert other water sources like gutters, footing drains, water softeners, sump pumps, and lawn irrigation systems away from the septic system.
• Do not park or drive cars over your drain field.
• Do not dig in your septic system.
• Do not use septic tank additives (these do not help and sometimes can be harmful to your system).
• Be careful what you flush into your septic tank. Harsh chemicals/cleansers can kill the beneficial bacteria that help treat waste water.
• Maintain chlorinator (if applicable).

What Not to Flush

Do not flush the following down drains if an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System is in use: