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Septic System Design and Repair Regulations
Federal, State, Provincial, Academic, and Trade Association Septic System Authorities
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InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
The septic system authorities here provide will provide listings of key local design and health or building code information needed when designing or repairing a septic system. We also list academic/university septic system design research experts
and septic system trade associations. See also the links listed at Related Topics for SEPTIC CONSULTANTS, BOOKS REFS CODES, SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS, and DESIGN ALTERNATIVES for more in-depth information. Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Technical critique and content contributions are welcomed.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
LOCAL STATE FEDERAL - Local, State, U.S. Federal Government, & International Agencies & Resources for Septic Systems Wastewater Treatment
The following list provides links to septic system and onsite wastewater treatment regulations and design requirements for most states in the U.S., and
for other countries or authorities. (Submissions invited). Readers should also see the Academic and University sites below for more septic system
and onsite wastewater disposal system regulation and design guidance.
 ATSDR: Nitrate/Nitrite Toxicity U.S. Government ATSDR Science Corner - 2.5MB big PDF file- Alabama DOH State Regs. for on-site sewage systems
- Central America: U.S. EPA demonstrates Viable/Sustainable Wastewater Treatment in Central America
- California - First California-wide Septic Laws To Be Written
- California - Marin County septic system information web
- Colorado Larimer County's Septic Systems - Good General Information, Dept of Environmental Health Services.
- Connecticut Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems
- Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Health: subsurface sewage information - 860-509-7296 860-509-7295 FAX 410 Capitol Ave., 06106
- Costa Rica San Jose Costa Rica Wastewater Sewage Treatment
- Ecowaters Projects EcoSan Ecological Sanitation Alternatives, including waste disposal solutions in Latin America
- Florida Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulation Handbook: Sewage Disposal Systems, University of Florida Extension. Local DOH regulate septic systems in Florida unless your system is disposing of more than 5000 gallons/day. Over 5000 gallon
discharge is regulated by the Florida Department of Environment Protection DEP
- Florida Keys septic effluent leakage issues
- Indiana constructed wetlands manual may need to write /septic/septic/
- Maine, Groundwater - Bureau of Land Quality
- Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection Pubs, programs, hotlines, lots more.
- Massachusetts Septic Testing Law : Inspections, Repairs, Financial Aids
- Montana Septic Tank Inspection & Trouble Shooting
- Nebraska Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment: Site Evaluation, Univ. of Nebraska - Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Nevada County (CA) Dept. of Environmental Health new On-Site Sewage Disposal Ordinance and Regulations (Plain English) that is a great model
- New England Onsite Wastewater Training Program training, testing, and alternative wastewater treatment systems
- New Hampshire Certified Septic Evaluation Program sets the minimum level of standard evaluation procedures by qualified septic system professionals
- New Hampshire Subsurface Systems Bureau New Hampshire Dept. of Environmental Services (updated 10/2009)
- New York State Septic and Wastewater Treatment Standards, Appendix 75-A - Individual Household Systems (Public Health Law 201(1)(1)
75-A.0 New York State Regulation of Private Septic Systems
75-A.1 Introduction to Septic Systems, Definitions of Septic System Terms
75-A.2 Regulation of Sewage Treatment Systems by other agencies
75-A.3 Sewage flows and design flow estimates
75-A.4 Soil and site appraisal for Septic Systems
75-A.5 House or building sewer line specifications
75-A.6 Septic tank capacity requirements, installation, and placement
75-A.7 Distribution lines, distribution boxes, gravity flow, pressure distribution, dosing, siphons
75-A.8 Subsurface treatment of effluent, absorption field requirements, leach field design criteria
75-A.9 Alternative Septic System Designs
75-A.10 Other systems
75-A.11 New product/system design interim approval
- NEMO Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials nonpoint source pollution and online publications order page
- North Carolina Onsite Wastewater Manual, from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR).
Also see Improving Septic Systems provided for NC by FarmASyst.
- North Dakota: Individual Home Sewage Treatment Systems NDSU North Dakota State University
- Ohio - Soil Evaluation for Home Septic Systems
- Rhode Island - Septic System Checkup Handbook
- Texas Septic Newsletter the Texas Water Resources Institute
- Texas Water Resources Institute
- Texas, Austin City information on septic tanks and onsite wastewater treatment
- United Nations Environment Program, Alternative Technologies for Freshwater Augmentation, Wastewater Treatment Technologies and Reuse
- US Army Corps of Engineers Information Network
- US EPA Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant On-Site Assistance Program
- US EPA Septic Systems Home Page
- US EPA "Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems" step-by-step approach for the development of a community management program for decentralized wastewater systems
- Vermont Wastewater Management Division
- Virginia Health Dept. Division of Onsite Sewage and Water Services
- Washington, Clallam County Septic Systems: General Info
- Washington, Spokane Septic System advice and regulation
- Submissions welcome. send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
ACADEMIC UNIVERSITY - University, Academic, & International Wastewater Sites
- Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Management Great Resource!
- Caribbean: Universities Water Information Network includes Directory of Water Resources from Caribbean, Central America, and Database of international water research
- Florida: Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Univ. of Florida Onsite
Sewage Disposal Influence of Soil Densities on Water Quality 1987 article but an important one.
- Italy: Wastewater Treatment Index interesting Italian resource
- Minnesota: University of Minnesota Septic System Web Septic System Owner’s Guide
- Montana: Septic Tank Inspection and Trouble-shooting, Montana State University - nice description of checking sludge and scum levels
- North Carolina State Univ. Septic
Systems resources including Septic System Maintenance, Small Wastewater Treatment Sys. Management, What you nee to know about septic systems
- North Dakota State Univ: Individual Home Sewage Treatment Systems
- Purdue Univ. SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR including a questionable article on additives
- Texas A&M Cooperative Extension, Onsite Wastewater Treatment & Re-use
- Washington: Pumping your septic Washington State University Sea Grant Program
- West Virginia: National Small Flows Clearinghouse, West Virginia University, 800-624-8301
- Wide World of Activated Sludge extensive information.
- The Home Inspection & Construction Information Website in-depth unbiased research & advice on environmental and Building defect detection, inspection, diagnosis, & repair.
- Submissions welcome. send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
SEPTIC ASSOCIATIONS - Septic & Wastewater Industry Associations & Standards
- ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers
- British Columbia, Canada BCOSSA British Columbia Onsite Sewage Association, Victoria BC tel: 250-391-8442 email: info@bcossa.com : news, training, standards, conferences on onsite wastewater disposal
- Indiana Septic Association, Inc, resources for cleaners, installers, vendors, associates and professional affiliates
- National Small Flows Clearinghouse, West Virginia University, POB 6064, Morgantown WV 26506-6064 - 800-624-8301, 304-293-4191, 304-293-3161-FAX, WTIE-BBS: 800-544-1936, 304-293-5969. The NSFC provides information, referrals, training, and technical assistance for small communities to aid in solving wastewater problems.
- National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) - Pam Franzen, Executive Director 1-800-966-2942; E-mail - 103061.1063@compuserve.com, Web Site - www.nowra.org, - Dr. Kevin Sherman, President - 850-488-3943 - Dr. Ted Loudon, VP/President-Elect - 517-353-3741, - Ken Zoeller, Secretary/Treasurer, 502-778-2731.
- Texas Water Resource Institute - Ric Jensen - 409-845-8571; E-mail - Rjensen@tamu.edu
- Texas On-site Wastewater Association - 409-862-7402
- Texas Agricultural Extension Service - Dr. Bruce Lesikar - 409-845-7453; E-mail - b-lesikar@tamu.edu
- The Consortium of Institutions for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Dr. Jerry Tyler, 608-262-0853; E-mail - ejtyler@facstaff.wisc.edu
- National Association of Waste Transporters - 1-800-236-6298
- Farm*A*Syst/Home*A*Syst preventing pollution on farms and in homes, assessment worksheets prepared by state programs, newsletters and slide training programs
- Bioremediation Discussion Group
- Submissions welcome. send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
To continue reading about septic system authorities & regulations see
- SEPTIC AUTHORITIES
- Regulation of Private Septic Systems - NYS example
- Introduction to Septic Systems, Definitions of Septic System Terms
- Sewage flows and design flow estimates
- Soil and site appraisal for Septic Systems
- House or building sewer line specifications
- Septic tank capacity requirements, installation, and placement
- Distribution lines, distribution boxes, gravity flow, pressure distribution, dosing, siphons
- Subsurface treatment of effluent, absorption field requirements, leach field design criteria
- Alternative Septic System Designs
- Raised Septic Bed
- Septic Mounds
- Sand Septic Filters
- Evaporation Septics
- Other systems
- New product/system design interim approval
- SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT REGULATIONS
- UK Off-Grid Septic Regulations & Sewage Systems
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
- Thanks to Denise Adjutant, New Hampshire
DOIT Web Support Division, for technical editing for Septic System information links for New Hampshire 07/13/2010
- US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual [online copy, free] Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems,
Richard J Otis, published by the US EPA. Although it's more than 20 years old, this book remains a useful reference for septic system designers.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory; (1980)
- Eco John® Innovative Toilet Solutions, Global Inventive Industries, Fountain Valley CA, PDF, product brochure
- "International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
- "Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental
Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
- Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
- Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389 (2006). Outstanding technical reference especially on alternative septic system design alternatives. Written for designers and engineers, this book is not at all easy going for homeowners but is a text I recommend for professionals--DF.
- Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP;
Quoting from Amazon's description: For the homebuilder, one mistake in estimating or installing wells and septic systems can cost thousands of dollars. This comprehensive guide filled with case studies can prevent that. Master plumber R. Dodge Woodson packs this reader-friendly guide with guidance and information, including details on new techniques and materials that can economize and expedite jobs and advice on how to avoid mistakes in both estimating and construction. Chapters cover virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including on-site evaluations; site limitations; bidding; soil studies, septic designs, and code-related issues; drilled and dug wells, gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; common problems with well installation; and remedies for poor septic situations. Woodson also discusses ways to increase profits by avoiding cost overruns.
- Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP;
Quoting an Amazon reviewer's comment, with which we agree--DF:This book is informative as far as it goes and might be most useful for someone with an older system. But it was written in the early 1980s. A lot has changed since then. In particular, the book doesn't cover any of the newer systems that are used more and more nowadays in some parts of the country -- sand mounds, aeration systems, lagoons, etc.
- Onsite Wastewater Disposal, R. J. Perkins;
Quoting from Amazon: This practical book, co-published with the National Environmental Health Association,
describes the step-by-step procedures needed to avoid common pitfalls in septic system technology.
Valuable in matching the septic system to the site-specific conditions, this useful book will help you install a reliable system in
both suitable and difficult environments. Septic tank installers, planners, state and local regulators, civil and sanitary engineers,
consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and land developers will find this publication valuable.
- Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around, suffering a bit from small fonts and a weak index. (DF volunteers to serve as indexer if Burks/Minnis re-publish this very useful volume.)
While it contains some material more technical than needed by homeowners, Burks/Minnis book on onsite wastewater treatment systems a very useful reference
for both property owners and septic system designers. We refer to it often.
While Minnis says the best place to buy this book is at Amazon (our link at left), you can also see this book at Minnis' website at http://web page .pace.edu/MMinnisbook
- Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
- Soil Percolation Tests soil perc testing guide and instructions
- Percolation Testing Manual, CNMI Division of Environmental Quality, PO Box 501304, Saipan, MP 96950
- Planting Over Septic System Component", Daniel Friedman (author/editor, InspectAPedia.com), The Innovator, Winter/Spring 2008, BCOSSA, British Columbia OnSite Sewage Association, 201-3542 Blansard St., Victoria BC V8X 1W3 Canada
- Save the Septic System - Do Not Flush These Items Down the Toilet, Daniel Friedman, InspectAPedia.com - PDF document, printable
- Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priced copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF.
Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.
- Test Pit Preparation for Onsite Sewage Evaluations, State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland OR, 800 452-4011. PDF document. We recommend this excellent document that offers detail about soil perc tests, deep hole tests, safety, and septic design. Readers should also see Soil Percolation Tests and for testing an existing septic system, also see Dye Tests
- Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM;
This septic system classic whose title helps avoid intimidating readers new to septic systems, is available new or used at very low prices.
It's more entertainment than a serious "how to" book on septic systems design, maintenance, or repair. Not recommended -- DF.
- US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
- Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, R. Dodge Woodson. This book is in the upper price range, but is worth the cost for serious septic installers and designers.
Quoting Amazon: Each year, thousands upon thousands of Americans install water wells and septic systems on their properties. But with a maze of codes governing their use along with a host of design requirements that ensure their functionality where can someone turn for comprehensive, one-stop guidance? Enter the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook from McGraw-Hill.
Written in language any property owner can understand yet detailed enough for professionals and technical students this easy-to-use volume delivers the latest techniques and code requirements for designing, building, rehabilitating, and maintaining private water wells and septic systems. Bolstered by a wealth of informative charts, tables, and illustrations, this book delivers:
* Current construction, maintenance, and repair methods
* New International Private Sewage Disposal Code
* Up-to-date standards from the American Water Works Association
- Wells and Septic Systems, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992. We have found this text very useful for conventional well and septic systems design and maintenance --DF.
Quoting an Amazon description:Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - and save a lot of time, money, and frustration. S. Blackwell Duncan has thoroughly revised and updated this second edition of Wells and Septic Systems to conform to current codes and requirements. He also has expanded this national bestseller to include new material on well and septic installation, water storage and distribution, water treatment, ecological considerations, and septic systems for problem building sites.
- The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules available from their website or by telephone 800-624-8301
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
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- Inspecting Septic Systems: Online Book, Inspection, Test, Diagnosis, Repair, & Maintenance: our Online Septic Book: Septic Testing, Loading & Dye Tests, Septic Tank Pumping, Clearances, details of onsite waste disposal system inspection, testing, repair procedures.
- Submissions welcome. send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
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