On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems

NEW: Jefferson County EHS is in the process of revising its onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) regulations. View proposed regulations for more information.

About OWTS

Unlike the cesspools on grandpa's farm, the modern on-site wastewater treatment system, or OWTS, is an environmentally sound method of wastewater disposal in areas where public sewers are not available. These are also referred to as septic systems. Since many homeowners have little or no experience with OWTS, these pages will provide information to help you understand how your OWTS functions and ways you can help improve its operation.

Basic OWTS Rules

If you adhere to these few simple rules, your OWTS will prove to be a safe and economical on-site method for disposing of your rural wastewater. 

Request an OWTS Inspection (For Active Permits Only) 

To submit a request for an inspection, please fill out the below form. Inspections are conducted Monday-Thursday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.. Requests that are submitted prior to 3:00 p.m. will go on the schedule for the next business day.

Please have your site ready for inspection: Make sure the work to be inspected is complete, no animals are loose on the property, address is clearly posted and gates are either open or a gate code has been provided in the request.

Please note: Requests for specific times cannot be guaranteed as the inspector’s route is determined by the location of inspections requested for that day.

Access Documents & Records

You can now get immediate access to septic system documents and records, including septic tank locations through our new online lookup application. You can now view, print and save your records. It's quick and easy! View the tutorial for our new online lookup application.

For additional OWTS policies, visit the Board of Health Policies page.