Private Sewage Disposal Program

Each year the Department oversees the installation of about 200 private sewage systems. Due to the individual nature of each county and individual soil characteristics within each county it is important for sewage contractors to be competent in their business. With today's household water demand at significant levels, wastewater facilities must be able to handle the load throughout the entire year. Natural ground conditions play a very important consideration in how well or long a system will function.

Traditional septic tank and lateral absorption fields.

     Sizing is determined by the number of bedrooms and the soils ability to absorb water. This is determined by a soil percolation test. In order for the sizing of the system to be adequate requires an accurate percolation test. Homeowners and contractors do themselves no favor by installing improperly designed systems. Generally homeowners are well advised to oversize the system should circumstances require the need for greater load capacity.

     Pumping is a very important maintenance consideration and often overlooked by homeowners. Failing to remove accumulated solids from the tank allows solids to enter the absorption field, eventually clogging pores in the soil that allow water to move. Once the absorption trenches are plugged, homeowners are faced with unexpected expenses. Proper tank maintenance will extend the effective life of the system.

Treatment systems: Sand filters & aerobic systems.

     These systems are used on locations where various factors do not allow the use of traditional systems. Buried sand filters and aerobic units effectively treat residential wastewater that can be discharged to the ground surface or waterway. Consideration must be given as to where the water goes once it leaves the treatment process. Discharges can not create a nuisance or adversely effect the natural water flow. Some homeowners and contractors fail to give discharge points adequate consideration and find themselves in conflict with nearby property owners. In addition to discharge concerns, aerobic systems require more maintenance and are subject to failure if abused or improperly serviced. Homeowners are provided a two year maintenance agreement with the original installation but are encouraged to enter into continuing maintenance agreements to assure no complications develop with the system.. Chlorine is required to be added to the discharges if effluent may potentially leave the property. Many people are not aware of the limitations that prevail with private sewage systems.

Subdivision development.

     The Department has seen a significant increase in the request to review planned subdivision developments. Careful consideration must be given by developers to assure adequate consideration is given to wastewater flows as the subdivision develops. Generally a well planned development ends up being a much more harmonious development verses one where improper planning limits options for sewage disposal system installation. Small lot sizes, high ground water, and shallow limestone layers can severely limit effective wastewater disposal. The number of discharge points and their location is considered during the review process. Developers are sometimes requested to provide common collection lines and easements to assure long term solutions.

Sewage Ordinance

     The health department has implemented a sewage ordinance which requires anyone replacing or installing a sewage system to obtain a permit. The permit fee is $100.00 at this time. For more information on private sewage system maintenance, operation, installation, or repair, please contact your local health department.