Washington County Environmental Health issues septic system permits for households that are not served by public sewer. These households usually depend on septic systems to treat and dispose of wastewater.
A septic system has three main parts: the septic tank, the drainfield and the soil. A septic tank separates solids from wastewater and stores and decomposes the solid matter. The resulting liquid discharged from the septic tank seeps into a drainfield. The bacteria present in the soil below the drainfield complete the final treatment of the wastewater. The soil also determines which type of septic system is suitable for a property.
A malfunctioning septic system is a health hazard; properly functioning septic systems treat sewage to prevent ground and surface water pollution.
Fees, Forms and Applications
NEW! Washington County has launched the Washington County Public Permitting and Services Portal, an online system to allow the community to better connect with County services.
Visit the Public Permitting and Services Portal to submit septic applications. First-time users will need to complete the one-time account registration process. Watch the How-to-Register video. Once an account is created, you can obtain septic permits, track status, search for permits, schedule an inspection and view results.
Read these informative flyers:
Site Evaluation- tests soils to determine septic system requirements
Permits
- New Construction - Brand new systems
- Repair - Repair an existing system or if existing system is failing
- Alteration - Make changes to a current system
Authorization - Add bedrooms, replace home/dwelling, and health hardships
File Review - Additional structures or additions to structures on the property other than additional bedrooms or structures of health hardship
Existing System Evaluation - Environmental health specialist evaluates existing septic system
Septic System Rules