After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. (Not compatible with Internet Explorer.) If you have been watering lawns and other landscaping on your property, your readings may not accurately reflect all of the water processed by your septic system. What is a septic system? Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. [Ver este comunicado de prensa en Espaol]. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. Contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.orgor (253) 649-1925. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . Were you able to find what you were looking for today? Grease can also clog the pores in your soil, damaging your drainfield and may lead to system failure. Sewage related records are typically marked with an "SWG". Patient information should not be disclosed to the answering service. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. Flies, rats, and other vectors can encounter sewage from a failing septic system and subsequently pass the diseases found in sewage to humans or infect other animals at locations far from the failing system. If documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. The term on-site sewage system is used in the state and county code, on permit application forms, and by industry professionals to refer to different types of septic systems. The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. Septic tanks are settling chambers that allow time for solids and scum to separate out from wastewater, so clear liquid can safely filter into the drainfield. The average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. Educate property owners to make sure their septic system gets proper maintenance. Older septic tanks might not be sized appropriately for your home, especially if your home has been remodeled and is now larger. Your septic permit will include an as-built or record drawing; this is a drawing that shows where your septic system is located and what parts or components make up your septic system. Island County code requires these inspections be completed by an Island County Licensed Maintenance Service Provider. You can hire a septic professional to do the inspection or, if your local health department allows it, you can do the inspection yourself. Chelan-Douglas Health District200 Valley Mall ParkwayEast Wenatchee, WA 98802, Hours9AM - 5PM | Monday - Thursday9AM - 12PM | Friday, After HoursTo report an urgent public health concern call:(509) 886-6499. Yakima. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. If at any time during the evaluation process you have questions, do not hesitate to call public health staff for assistance at (360) 416-1500 or e-mail eh@co.skagit.wa.us. Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. Entry page for Thurston County Environmental Health Septic System Program: Permits, Operational Certificates, Septic System Operation and Maintenance, Septic System Evaluation of Properties for Sale, Rules and Regulations Enforcement, List of Certified Septic Contractors, Low-interest Loan Program . Craft3's Clean Water Loans - Craft3 offers financing for replacement of septic systems in many areas of Washington. Directions. The pump tank will store the effluent until it is conveyed to a drainfield. Privacy Policy| Alternate Format Requests | Notice of Nondiscrimination, File Complaint About Provider or Facility, Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Modernization Solution, Healthcare Professional Credentialing Requirements, Veterans, Service Members and their Families, Emergency Information for Specific Groups, For Public Health & Health Care Providers, Public Health System Resources and Services, Asking your local health department if they can inspect your system at a lower cost, Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Local Health Jurisdictions and Tribal Directories, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. A properly functioning septic system will allow for the proper venting of these gases, either through a dwellings plumbing system or through vent pipes located near your septic system. & Development Services, Washington State Department of Healths OSS Program, Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video, Read the Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide, Fill out the checkist form and return it to Public Health, Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide, Pressure/Pump to Gravity On Site Sewage Summary Report, Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians, Skagit Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. Public Health continues to work with Vashon-Maury Island residents to document improvements to water quality, find sources of excessive bacteria, and, where possible, eliminate these sources. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. The scale should be described on your as-built. Hygienic practices mentioned here will help you protect yourself. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. On Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. LISTINGS, System You may find junction boxes, wires, or other electrical connections in the pump chamber. 14350 SE Eastgate Way The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. Washington State on-site sewage (septic) system rules & regulations (WAC 246-272A) On-Site Sewage Basics A conventional septic system consists of two main parts: the septic tank and the soil drainfield (also referred to as a leachfield, absorption bed or absorption field). Expect to hear from us within 5 days. Financial assistance Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. Figuring out how many gallons of water per day that you have consumed, will allow you to evaluate if your septic system is operating per the original design. How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. As of Sept. 1, homeowners with septic systems in every Washington county have access to affordable financing for septic repair and replacement. The longevity of your on-site septic system relies heavily on the way that you care for it. No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. The effluent is distributed via pressure throughout the drainfield by utilizing small diameter pipes with small holes to distribute the liquid throughout the drainfield. OSS evaluations must be performed and filed with the public health at least once every three years for all systems consisting solely of a septic tank and gravity drainfield, and annually for all other system types. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. Now with statewide access, our Clean Water Loan is poised to support thousands of new households and contribute to improving shared water resources across the Evergreen State,. Total wastewater generated. . Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368. Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. For more information, click the buttons below. Even latex paint waste should be minimized. The first step in maintaining your septic system is obtaining your septic permit. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership . - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. The loan program is a partnership between the Department of Ecology, the Department of Health, local county and health departments, and Craft3, a nonprofit community lender. Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. This program has continued with funding from the Washington State Department of Health to perform public education and outreach activities, offer rebates to encourage septic system inspections, and improve tracking and reporting capabilities. Privacy Policy| Alternate Format Requests | Notice of Nondiscrimination, File Complaint About Provider or Facility, Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Modernization Solution, Healthcare Professional Credentialing Requirements, Veterans, Service Members and their Families, Emergency Information for Specific Groups, For Public Health & Health Care Providers, Public Health System Resources and Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Local Health Jurisdictions and Tribal Directories, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. These inspections can identify small issues and fix them before they become big, costly repairs. Reducing water use will limit the demand you place on your septic system. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake. Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. Pumpers may charge you extra to locate and/or dig up the lids to the septic tank so that they are able to pump the septic tank. Report. How to take care of septic systems Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. One way that you can identify a very slow leak is by shutting all faucets off and keeping them off for a period of time. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. If at any time you do not feel comfortable or confident in your ability to evaluate and maintain your septic system without the risk of becoming ill or injured, you should hire a licensed O&M Specialist to perform the work for you. Your septic system is not a trash can. Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. County Code, The septic system is a conventional gravity septic system, The OSS is a conventional gravity, a pump to gravity, or conventional pressure system, The property is not immediately adjacent to a marine shoreline, The inspection is not for the purpose of a real estate transfer or sale, The homeowner has completed Skagit County Septics 101, The homeowner has completed a Septics 201 Field Training Class, The homeowner can supply an as-built of their septic system, The homeowner must agree to allow a possible follow-up quality assurance visit by public health staff at a mutually agreeable time. It is not uncommon for a new septic system to cost $20,000 or more, making it a substantial investment that many homeowners cannot afford on their own, especially when the problems are unexpected. Proper care and maintenance of your septic system also occurs around the area where your system is installed. Search for Records. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. Environmental Health Code, Chapter 1, General Provisions, Environmental Health Code, Chapter 2, On-Site Sewage, Environmental Health Code, Chapter 3,Water Regulation, Appeals Process of Orders and Decisions of the Health Officer. Wastewater Rules and Regulations | Washington State Department of Health Wastewater Rules and Regulations Fees Chapter 246-272 WAC, Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Use Fees On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC, On-Site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-273 WAC, On-Site Sewage Additives Search for your record drawing using the following steps: Some common reasons that record drawings are not available online: If you do not find a record drawing, please send an email to as-built.help@kingcounty.gov. Evaluating, maintaining, or troubleshooting your septic system can expose you to the many pathogens or disease causing organisms found in human waste. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. The lids on the tank are circular, 20"-24" in diameter and 5'-5 ' apart. Learn how to obtain sewage permit information. Bellevue, WA 98007, Phone: 206-477-8050 (answered until 3:00 pm), Link/share our site at www.kingcounty.gov/oss, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Private wells, plumbing and onsite sewage systems, Pollution Identification and Correction Program (PIC), On-site Sewage System Technical Advisory Committee Bylaws, On-site Sewage System Technical Advisory Committee Membership Application, Quarter 1 OSS TAC Meeting March 30, 2022, 9-11am on Zoom. A. A garbage disposal adds more solid material to your septic system. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. For example, a scale of 1 = 20 means that every inch on the paper is equal to 20 feet in your yard. There may be circumstances where it will be difficult, dangerous, or even impossible for a homeowner to properly evaluate and maintain their OSS by themselves. These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. If at any time during the evaluation process you have questions, do not hesitate to call public health staff for assistance at (360) 416-1500 or e-mail eh@co.skagit.wa.us. About us; Jobs - Work@Health; Public health connection blog; BienestarWA blog (espaol) Request public records; Rule Making; Topics A-Z; Ver contenido in Espaol; Browse publications; Contact Us. Additives and old cures such as using cabbage, hamburger, yeast, etc., have no beneficial effect on your septic system, but will lead to more frequent pumping of your septic system. Think of inspections like oil changes and routine maintenance for your car, you do a little here and there to keep it running for as long as possible. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. You may be able to use a metal detector to help you locate the tanks as they are made of concrete with rebar, and the handles on the lids are usually made of metal wire. For homeowners who conduct their own inspections, it is a good idea to hire a professional to conduct a septic system inspection at the time of system pumping. If you put a lot of water down the drain (from inefficient or leaky toilets, washers, showerheads, and sink faucets), the tank can't settle completely and you may need to pump more often. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! A Sanitarian of the Day is available Monday through Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on a first come, first served basis either by . During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. Are you a robot? The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. Landscape your system properly. Link/share our site at www.kingcounty.gov/asbuilt, If you do not find a record drawing, please send an email to, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Private wells, plumbing and onsite sewage systems. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. A property owner with a pump system must have additional training to demonstrate competency with pump systems. This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. Interested homeowners can apply for a Clean Water Loan by visiting the Craft3 website. Some tanks have smaller lids on each end of the tank to allow for inspection of inlet and outlet baffles. Again, using the garden hose, rinse the soap from the equipment; this will ensure the soaps do not bind with the sanitizer.