Fax: : 360-379-4487. Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. If Public Health does not have a record for your septic system, it probably means that your system was installed a long time ago, prior to any requirement to create an as-built. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. 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. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. 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. To find out what type of system you have, take a look at your propertys as built records. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. Landscape your system properly. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. Privacy Policy A Marine Recovery Area (MRA) was established to protect especially sensitive marine waters from pollution from poorly functioning or failing on-site sewage systems (OSS). As per inspection requirements set forth in SCC 12.05.160 and WAC 246-272A-0270 a homeowner will become eligible to inspect their own septic system only if the following conditions are met: If you meet these conditions, your first step is to take the Septics 101 Class online . Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. Generally, the more people in the home, the more often you need to pump. Any homeowner with a pump included in their system is required to obtain additional training with a certified Operations & Maintenance (O&M) provider to sign off on the additional training provided for these system types. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. Find a certified O&M provider. ), all septic system parts should be vented thoroughly. The On-site Sewage Program is responsible for evaluating site conditions for onsite septic systems, characteristics of soil in test pits, setting permitting conditions, and issuing permits for septic systems. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. Keep accurate records of your septic system. It Meet septic system requirements before you do. Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. List of certified septic pumpers, installers, and monitoring and maintenance professionals, List of designers and engineers certified to work in Snohomish County, Planning and Development Services Map Portal, Septic Contractors & Certification Services. 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. If there is a slow leak, the food coloring will show up in the toilet bowl. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties Manager of Healthy People & Communities. Caring for Your Septic System | Washington State Department of Health Caring for Your Septic System Inspect Your System If your system is only a septic tank and drainfield, commonly called a gravity system, you need to inspect it at least once every three years. Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . See Ecology's. Reduce the risk of contaminating groundwater and surface water. It is important to keep the solids, called sludge, from building up and coming near the outlet baffles of the system if this happens, solids could plug the pipe to the drainfield, or even worse, clog the drainfield. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. The completed form must include photos of. A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Tank lids come in different shapes and sizes. Failing septic systems can leak into nearby ditches or streams where the sewage eventually ends up on our beaches where we swim, boat, and fish. The effluent is distributed via pressure throughout the drainfield by utilizing small diameter pipes with small holes to distribute the liquid throughout the drainfield. Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. Look for a medication take-back program in your area. The goal is to protect public health, to evaluate all septic systems, to identify and repair failing systems, and make records available to the public. 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. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. This requirement went into effect September 1, 2010. SEPTIC SYSTEM When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. A septic system is a huge property investment, so maintaining the one youve got is cheaper than replacing the entire system. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. A septic system, also known as an on-site sewage system (OSS), stores, treats, and disposes of the things you flush and send down drains. The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. It is up to you to use whatever techniques you feel necessary to adequately protect yourself from exposure to raw sewage, and to seek medical assistance if you are exposed. As-Built Records Northeast Tri County Health District maintains records of permits for completed on-site sewage systems. Yakima. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. If still warm and in liquid form, the grease can be poured off easily into a water-tight container such as a coffee can and disposed of in the trash. Even latex paint waste should be minimized. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. Most people perceive a slow dripping faucet as nothing more than a nuisance; however, a septic system will be burdened by additional water going down the drain. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. . Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. Oftentimes, the metal handle used to remove the lid may become rotted, and will not support the weight of the lid, nor be usable for popping off the lid. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. The Washington state well report (log) viewer, our most popular online resource, allows you to search for and view detailed records of the construction and subsurface characteristics of individual wells. Online portal submissions Household bleach is a very effective sanitizer for killing bacteria and viruses. Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. . & 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 On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program The Public Health On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program helps to ensure that over 85,000 septic systems including 192 septic systems in Seattle are safe. Most of the on-site sewage system (OSS) records including site designs, historic inspection reports, record drawings (also known as as-builts) in King County records are available online. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians. The best way to determine your system type is to review your septic permit. If documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. The On-site System Maintainer (OSM) will inspect your system components: Septic and pump tanks. The phone number is 360-385-9444. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. The chemicals can alter the natural biological conditions found in your septic system. An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. Shellfish that grow in marine waters are harvested from our beaches and can become contaminated by failing septic systems. 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. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Patient information should not be disclosed to the answering service. If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. If you hear a hollow thud and the rebar stops going deeper, you may have found a tank. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. Washington Permits and Inspections Directory Advertising Search WA Public Records WA Marriage Records WA Divorce Records WA Criminal Records WA Death Records WA Birth Records WA Background Search Search Records By Name Find Permits and Inspections Resources in Washington Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Volume of solids in wastewater. Regardless of the method you use to request this document, you will need to provide the following information: *If your address was once a "route #, box #" please include the roads/streets that the property is located on and by. If your water meter has a counter, all you need to do is write the number down, along with the time and date and a few days later, look at the meter again. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. . Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. If you prefer, download and print a paper application (PDF), and mail to: Washington County Government Center Public Health . There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks.