Homeowners. . .

        

                                                      . . .where it all begins.

 

BACK

As a homeowner, you are the single most important person impacting the health of your sewage treatment system.  The longevity of your system depends mainly on its use and maintenance.  This website is designed to provide you with information regarding how your onsite sewage treatment system works, how you should maintain the system and how to identify warning signs that your system needs some help.

By accessing this website and using this information, you are taking the first steps toward becoming a responsible onsite sewage treatment system owner. Let us just say "Thank you"!

With a continuously rising population in Island County, it is increasingly important that each onsite sewage treatment system is maintained properly.   Each of us must “do our part” in protecting the community and environment from the harmful effects of improperly treated sewage.

As you educate yourself and manage your onsite sewage treatment system’s health and proper function, you will be protecting the health of you and your family, your neighbors, your community and the environment.  There is a lot at stake, but the road to a safe and healthy sewage treatment system is simple.  Each healthy system contributes to a healthy community and environment.

Click on topics below for more information:

Septic 101
System Care and Maintenance
Inspection Requirements

Inspection Reporting Process
Homeowner Inspection Certification Program
Finding Maintenance Service Providers
Time of Sale Inspections
Landscaping Materials
Helpful Links and Resources

Cpvl Pier 
Septic 101

These classes are meant to give an introduction to how onsite sewage systems operate, different types of systems, the different components and parts, how to use the system appropriately and how to detect warning signs of a failing or struggling system.  For homeowner certification to inspect your own system, see below.

The class is only a couple of hours that could potentially save thousands of dollars in preventing repairs or the complete replacement of a failed system.  We will be posting class dates, times and locations in the future.  Keep checking back!

Click here for the Homeowner Inspection Certification Program.                                     top of page

System Care and Maintenance

Keep in mind that some of these sources reflect differing requirements for onsite septic systems. Always refer to Island County Code for specific requirements.

Link to Island County Onsite Sewage System Code: http://www.islandcounty.net/health/Envh/ICC%20807D%20Draft%20Aug%203%202007.pdf

Publications for Print
Understanding and Caring for Your Septic Tank System - WA DOH
Understanding and Caring for Your Pressure Distribution System - WA DOH
Understanding and Caring for Your Sand Filter System – WA DOH
Understanding and Caring for Your Mound System – WA DOH 

System Do’s and Don’ts – Thurston County Health Dept.
Living with a Septic System, Video from South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural
    Resources (REAL Video required)

Septic Sense, Scents, Cents Supreme Insights to the Fearless Flush from the Washington Sea Grant Program 

Additional Information
  Homeowner Information Page - EPA
  Cleaning Up A Sewage Spill - Washington DOH
  Septic Systems – What To Do after the Flood – EPA
  Green Cleaning Recipes – Thurston County Health Dept.
  Home Tour – Resource and Money Saver – GetWise! Resource Action Programs

  Earth 911 Water Conservation – Earth 911 Resource Center 

Inspection Requirements

Whether newly installed or long existing, onsite sewage treatment systems need regular inspection and maintenance to keep from failing and polluting our ground and/or surface water and property.  New laws are now in effect statewide that requires onsite sewage system inspections.

Inspect your system regularly.           

                              top of page

All homeowners with onsite sewage treatment systems are now required to inspect them regularly.  The location and type of systems will determine the frequency of required inspections and whether or not the homeowner can be certified to do the inspections.  (For more information on homeowner certification, click on this link to Island County Planning and Development Department)

The inspection schedule is as follows:

 

Conventional Systems – consisting only of a septic tank and drainfield must be inspected
     every three years.

All other systems – annual inspection required.

 

If your system is located in a Category 1 or 2 High Risk Critical Geographic Area as defined
by the EPA, you are required to have annual inspections by a licensed inspector. These areas
are located in or near watersheds and/or marine recovery areas.

 

Currently, the only locations in Island County meeting these criteria are Penn Cove and
South Holmes Harbor.


For more information, you can download regional maps from the Island County Planning and
Community Development Department website at: 
     http://www.islandcounty.net/planning/maps.htm

Inspection Reporting Process

To submit your Onsite Sewage Treatment System Inspection Report to Island County, the
following is required:

1.     Have inspection performed under the guidelines outlined above.

2.     Submit inspection form to Island County Public Health.

Submit inspection form to Island County Public Health.

Homeowner's Inspection Certification Program

Qualifying Owners

 To qualify for this program, your system must:                                                               top of page 

1.     Be a conventional or gravity system – consisting of a septic tank and drain field only.

2.     Be a conventional Pressure system not located in a Category 1 or 2 High Risk Critical
Area – the only areas classified as such are the Penn Cove and South Holmes Harbor
watersheds.

3.     Not be associated with sale of the property.
                    
                   
Laying out the drainfield

 

Island County Department of Planning and Community Development is
developing, implementing and overseeing this program. Additional requirements
may apply to qualify. Please contact them for more information. 

 

Web page - http://www.islandcounty.net/planning/index.htm

Phone 360-679-7339

 

Additional Resources:
     Inspecting Your Septic System – It’s Not So Bad . . . Really! – Thurston County Health Dept.

                                                   

Finding Maintenance Service Providers

Island County Licensed Maintenance Service Providers                                       top of page 

Ask a qualified service provider for assistance.       Coming Soon . .                                                    

Time of Sale Inspections

Every property requires a licensed professional inspection at the time of sale.  No exceptions.

To contact a licensed professional, see above, Finding a Maintenance Service Provider”.

Landscaping Information
Do you know where this is?

If proper methods are used, you can use landscaping and plants to beautify the area where your
onsite sewage treatment system is located.  To learn more, use the following resources.

 

Landscaping Your Drainfield – Island County Public Health Department
Landscaping Your Septic System – Washington Sea Grant Program

Helpful Links and Resources
Environmental Health Home Page Keep in mind that some of these sources reflect differing requirements for onsite septic systems. Always refer to Island County Code for specific requirements.

Link to Island County Onsite Sewage System Code

--Regulations and Guidelines-- 

Washington Administration Code                 Island County Code

--Technical and Professional Information--                                 top of page

Septic LocatorLocates area Service Professional belonging to a National Association.
NOWRA (National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association)

WOSSA (Washington Onsite Sewage Association)

Washington Department of Health Wastewater Management

Washington State Environmental Health Association

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Wastewater Management

Puget Sound Action Team Onsite Sewage Information

Wastewater Glossary; Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment  

--Island County Links--

Planning and Community Development

Island County WSU Wastewise Volunteers

--Neighboring Counties--

San Juan County Public Health                     

Skagit County Department of Health

Snohomish County Department of Health
Whatcom County Environmental Health Services

Hit Counter