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.
Forms and Applications
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.
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