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: