Sewage Program
Home Sewage Treatment System (STS) Permitting Process
Use of Licenced Installer
- Fill out the permit application (plat or survey map) and pay the fee
- Schedule a soil survey with the sanitarian
- Homeowner is responsible for equipment to dig test holes
- Home/building placement is helpful
- Sanitarian conducts on-site soil survey
- Sanitarian designs a system based on soil survey
- Permit To Install (PTI) is issued
- Homeowner contacts licensed installers for quotes
- Homeowner selects licensed installer
- Licensed installer installs septic system (but NOT cover-up)
- Sanitarian performs cover-up inspection
- Licensed installer covers system up
- WCHD issues the final permit
- Homeowner picks up the homeowner education folder from WCHD
Self-Installation
- Homeowner must pass STS Exam and supply certificate to WCHD before any work can be conducted
- STS Exam can be taken at: https://otco.org/sts-program
We permit and inspect the installation of residential and commercial (1000 gallons a day or less flow) sewage treatment systems within Washington County.
**We also inspect household sewage treatment systems on homes or properties that are being sold. NOTE: It is not required by the Health Department that a system be inspected prior to a property being sold. It may be required by the buyer and/or lending agency.
Home Sewage Treatment System (STS) Permitting Process (PDF)