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
  • Onsite Wastewater and Water Well Property Records
    • New!  Property records for onsite wastewater treatment systems and wells installed after 2009 are now available to review online without the need to submit a FOIA request. Lookup Property Records.
    • Property records for onsite wastewater treatment systems and wells installed prior to 2009 will need to be requested by submitting a FOIA request. Submit a FOIA Request.

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:

  • Cigarette butts
  • Coffee grounds
  • Condoms
  • Dental floss
  • Disposable diapers
  • Fat, grease, or oil
  • Food scraps
  • Gasoline
  • Kitty litter
  • Paints
  • Paper towels
  • Pesticides
  • Photographic solutions
  • Prescription drugs
  • Sanitary napkins
  • Tampons
  • Thinners
  • Varnishes
  • Waste oils