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

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).

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