HOMEOWNER SEPTIC INSPECTIONS

Whether newly installed or long existing, septic systems need regular attention by homeowners, to keep drinking water (ground water) and surface water (runoff from rain or snow) clean.

Of course, a significant side benefit of regular septic inspections and maintenance is that problems can be corrected, before a system fails. Replacing a septic system is expensive, and generally costs about $20,000 – or more.

Throughout all of Washington , homeowners are now being required -- under new State rules -- to have their systems regularly inspected.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO ISLAND COUNTY HOMEOWNERS

• In Island County , these regulations are being phased in over an 18-month period by your local County Public Health Department.

• Island County’s rules for homeowner septic system inspections will become effective  Jan. 1, 2009.

• The new Island County rules will also require that a report of each homeowner septic inspection be filed with the County’s environmental health division.

• Whenever a property that contains a septic system is being sold, a professional licensed septic inspector must issue a report on its condition.

Q: HOW OFTEN DOES MY SEPTIC SYSTEM HAVE TO BE INSPECTED?

A: Depends upon system type

• conventional septic system (septic tank and drain field only) – every 3 years

• conventional pressure system (pump) – annually

• alternative system (like sand mound, etc.) – annually

• any type of septic system if property is being sold – at time of sale

Q: WHO CAN DO THESE INSPECTIONS?

A: Depends upon system type and location

• conventional septic system (septic tank and drain field only) – homeowner who’s completed Island County ’s HOST program ( free Homeowner Septic Training) or, at homeowner’s option, a licensed professional inspector

• conventional pressure system (pump) – homeowner who’s completed Island County ’s HOST program (free Homeowner Septic Training) or, at homeowner option, a licensed professional inspector
• unless system is on land located within Penn Cove or South Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District watersheds; because of environmental concerns, homeowners in these “Sensitive” areas will need to hire a licensed professional inspector if their system is conventional with pump, or alternative.

• alternative systems – licensed professional inspector

• sale of home – licensed professional inspector, regardless of type or location of system

Q: WHAT’S THE COST?

A: It’s based upon who’s performing the inspection

• If a homeowner is qualified to inspect his/her own system, because of system type and location, the cost will be minimal -- homeowner’s time and materials, filing report with County Environmental Health Services, etc.

• Professional licensed inspectors maintain their own fee schedules. Costs to homeowners may include service call, labor and materials, etc. Be sure to ask first for an estimate. County Environmental Health Services oversees commercial inspectors.

• Homeowners with failing drain fields may want to look into a loan program administered by County Environmental Health Services

HOST (HOMEOWNER SEPTIC TRAINING) PROGRAM

WHO:

• Island County Planning and Community Development is coordinating the outreach and training of homeowners interested in learning about how to inspect their own septic system, while County Environmental Health Services works on phasing in the new rules.
• Even if you’re unable or uninterested in actually performing your own inspections, you can still take the training – for example, perhaps yours is an alternative system, or you’ll be selling your home – yet, you’d like to know more about what your inspector needs to do
• See the Q&A for more info

WHAT:

• Free training course for homeowners who have a conventional septic system.
• Except conventional septic systems with a pump, in “risk” Categories 1 and 2. Currently, there are no areas in Category 1; but, there are two in Category 2:

                 Penn Cove and South Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District.

• HOST short course currently being designed with your busy schedules in mind. Course will consist of multi media and hands-on (demonstration model).
• “Learn at home” instructional materials, prior to half-day classroom/field training
• Successful completion means Homeowner is certified to inspect his/her conventional septic system (unless excepted).
• Classes will begin in the summer of 2008.

WHEN & WHERE:

• At locations and times convenient to Homeowners’ busy schedules, on both Camano and Whidbey Islands .
• Training schedule will be advertised by mid-May ’08.

HOW:

• Sign up today!
• Email us with your name, phone, address (and, mailing address if different) -- HomeownerSeptic@co.island.wa.us
• Or, call and leave your name, phone, address on our VoiceMail

Camano – 360-629-4522 x6069

Central/North Whidbey – 360-678-5111 x6069

South Whidbey – 360-321-5111 x6069

• We’ll notify you of where and when HOST will be conducted

OTHER QUESTIONS (aside from HOST)?

For all other questions about septic systems, please contact your

County Public Health Department

ENVIORONMENTAL SERVICES

County seat: 1 NE 6 th St .

Coupeville, WA

Camano Island : 121 N. East Camano Way

Mail: Environmental Health

POB 5000

Coupeville , WA 98239-5000

Phone: Camano Island 360-629-4522 x7350

Central/North Whidbey 360-679-7350

South Whidbey 360-321-5111 x7350

New Homeowners Septic Program Website - County Public Health Deparment

To learn more about care and maintenance of your on-site septic system, download or ask for a copy of A Guide to Clean Water: Our Islands , Our Waters, Our Future , published in Sept., 2007 by Island County Planning and Community Development.