Septic & onsite wastewater design guides, codes, manuals organized by country or area:

This document lists key septic system design guidelines, codes, manuals, standards, and journals - information about and specifications for conventional and alternative septic systems - onsite wastewater disposal systems for various countries or areas of the world.

Septic design & installation regulations for septic tanks, cesspools, drainfields, soakaway beds and other onsite wastewater treatment & disposal systems. Septic system & onsite wastewater design regulations for the U.S., U.K., Australia,the Caribbean, Latin America, New Zealand, the U.K., & Other Countries. Guide to agencies regulating sewage treatment systems around the world.

Septic System & Off-Grid Onsite Septic System & Wastewater Treatment Regulations, Standards & Codes: Onsite Wastewater Publications

Septic System or Onsite Wastewater Disposal System Codes & Regulations around the world

• Australia: WIDE WORLD of ACTIVATED SLUDGE extensive information.
• HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS Inspection & Testing - What to Do, Step by Step.
• Canada Provincial & Local Septic Codes: (examples)
  • British Columbia Sewerage System Regulations, Standard Practice Manual, Inspection Guidelines provided by the BC Ministry of Health and posted online by BCOSSA British Columbia Onsite Sewage Association, Victoria BC tel: 250-391-8442 email: info@bcossa.com news, training, standards, conferences on onsite wastewater disposal
  • "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.
• Caribbean: Universities Water Information Network includes Directory of Water Resources from Caribbean, Central America, and Database of international water research
• International Private Sewage Disposal Code, 1995, sponsored by BOCA - 708-799-2300, ICBO - 310-699-0541, SBCCI - 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
• Italy: Wastewater Treatment Index interesting Italian resource
• Latin America  
  • Central America: U.S. EPA demonstrates Viable/Sustainable Wastewater Treatment in Central America
  • Costa Rica San Jose Costa Rica Wastewater Sewage Treatment
  • Ecowaters Projects EcoSan Ecological Sanitation Alternatives, including waste disposal solutions in Latin America
• Mariana Islands: Percolation Testing Manual from Saipan in the Mariana Islands.
• U.K. Septic Regulations: U.K. OFF-GRID SEPTIC REGULATIONS & SEWAGE SYSTEMS
• United Nations Environment Program, Alternative Technologies for Freshwater Augmentation, Wastewater Treatment Technologies and Reuse
• United States - USA:  U.S. SEPTIC AUTHORITIES & DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS for a by-state list of septic and onsite wastewater design regulations, codes, guides.

Submissions welcomed. Send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links

Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books

• Alth, Max and Charlet, Wells and Septic System, , 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:
  
  ... 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.
• Dodge, Woodson R., Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, $ 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.
• Hartigan, Gerry, Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System,: $ 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.
• Hasse, Rolf, Rainwater Reservoirs Above Ground Structures for Roof Catchment: Most Common Rainwater Tanks in Comparison and Construction Manua, (Paperback) . [I have not reviewed this book --DF, but it may be helpful to people constructing rainwater collection and reservoir systems for use in arid climates such as Mexico and the U.S. Southwest.
• Jantrania, Anish R., & Mark A. Gross., Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, 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.
• ICBO, "International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
• Kinkade-Levario, Heather, Design for Water: Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Catchment, and Alternate Water Reuse, . Quoting from Amazon's review: Design for Water is an accessible and clearly written guide to alternate water collection, with a focus on rainwater harvesting in the urban environment. The book:
  Outlines the process of water collection from multiple sources-landscape, residential, commercial, industrial, school, park, and municipal systems Provides numerous case studies, Details the assembly and actual application of equipment, Includes specific details, schematics, and references.
  
  All aspects of rainwater harvesting are outlined, including passive and active system setup, storage, storm water reuse, distribution, purification, analysis, and filtration. There is even a section on rainwater harvesting for wildlife.
  
  In addition to rainwater, there are several affordable and accessible alternate sources, including cooling tower bleed-off water, air conditioning condensate, gray water, and fog collection. Design for Water is geared to providing those making development decisions and guidelines with the information they need to set up passive harvesting techniques. The book will especially appeal to engineers, landscape architects, municipal decision-makers, developers, and landowners.
  
  Heather Kinkade-Levario is a land-use planner in Arizona and the author of the award-winning Forgotten Rain. She is president of Forgotten Rain L.L.C., a rainwater harvesting and stormwater reuse company.
• Ludwig, Art, Create an Oasis With Greywater: Your Complete Guide to Choosing, Building and Using Greywater Systems, , [superseded by new edition] (Paperback) You may prefer the newest edition, but as I said above, there is great information in this older version, perhaps all you need, and these copies are sold at very low prices - an aid to people of limited means.
• Macomber, Patricia S.H. Guidelines on rainwater catchment systems for Hawaii, (CTAHR resource management publication) . This more technical document may be especially helpful for rainwater collection and recycling systems for climates where there is heavy rainfall such as demonstrated for Hawaii.
• Minnis, Mary Margaret, Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, , 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.
• Nissen-Petersen,Erik & John Gould, Rainwater Catchment Systems for Domestic Supply: Design, Construction and Implementation, . (Mr. Ludwig, while much appreciated, is not the only author providing really useful design guides for graywater systems--DF) Quoting from an Amazon review:
  
  This book reviews the art of roof and ground catchment systems for rainwater. The water collected can be used for household or other purposes. The designs are aimed for individuals with limited access to electricity and/or civic water utilities. The text includes drawings, photographs and step-by-step instructions.
  
  One might say the book is really written for the 'aid worker' since it also considers ethnic and gender issues that would be 'obvious' to the future owners of the the systems.
• Ontario M.E., "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.
• Perkins, R.J., Onsite Wastewater Disposal, ; 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.
• Kahn, Lloyd, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Septic System Owner's Manual, , 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.
• San Diego Business Journal, City eying home water-recycling technology; uses bath and washer water for irrigation., (ReWater Systems' equipment for greywater irrigation): This is an article from: San Diego Business Journal [HTML] (Digital) available online in digital format. I have not (yet) reviewed it -- DF
• USDA, Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain - , 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
• 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)
• US EPA Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Septic Tank - Soil Absorption Systems, U.S. EPA, PDF Document provides basic information about septic tanks and drainfields.
• US Public Health Service, Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
• Van Der Ryn, Sim, Wendell Berry, The Toilet Papers: Designs to Recycle Human Waste and Water : Dry Toilets, Greywater Systems and Urban Sewage (Paperback) ; Quoting from an Amazon review:
  
  With a title like "Toilet Papers" and from a distinguished eco-architect like Sim Van der Ryn, I needed no intro or review to buy a copy of this little, but well researched historical over-view of effluent mitigation and current eco-friendly toilet design.
  
  This book is filled with good line drawings and photographs to depict everything from the historical perspective to the current dry toilets and their construction.
  
• Woodson, R. Dodge, Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, . 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
  
• NSFC: The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) now (2019/12/13) hosted at http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/ Tel: 304-293-4191 e-mail info@mail.nesc.wvu.edu.
  
  he National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help America's small communities and individuals solve their wastewater problems through objective information about onsite wastewater collection and treatment systems. NSFC products and information are the only national resource of its type, dealing with small community wastewater infrastructure. or by telephone 800-624-8301
• Zhu, K, L. Zhang, W. Hart, M. Liu, H. Chen, Quality issues in harvested rainwater in arid and semi-arid Loess Plateau of northern China, (out of print, find by search and deferred order). Amazon's description may be helpful:
  
  Loess soils cover vast areas in the arid and semi-arid regions of northern China. Due to the lack of reliable surface water and ground-water, rainwater harvesting has played a prominent role in farmers' domestic usage and agricultural irrigation. An economical and valid type of water storage cistern with optimum design of components has been introduced to rural areas in the Loess Plateau.
  
  Different collection alternatives showed apparent variations in rainwater quality. By using different catchments, such as mortar roofs and cement-paved courtyards, compacted land or road surfaces, rainwater can be effectively collected for storage in cisterns. This study focused mainly on the quality of rainwater harvested from the different catchment systems and stored for different periods of time.
  
  by analysis of the water samples stored in these cisterns, it was evident that rainwater quality could be improved significantly by self-purification during the storage. With emphasis on rainwater quality affected by the different catchment systems, it was found that the measured inorganic compounds in the rainwater harvested from roof-yard catchment systems generally matched the WHO standards for drinking water, while the concentrations of some inorganic compounds in the rainwater collected from land and road surfaces appeared to be higher than the guideline values for drinking water, but generally not beyond the maximum permissible concentrations.
  
  However, Fecal Coliform, which is an important bacteriological parameter for the three catchment systems, exceeded the limits of drinking water to a greater extend.
  
  Trace amounts of 55 organic pollutants were identified, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds and phthalate esters, etc. The analytical results indicated that roof-yard catchments that included the ''first flush'' usually provided safe drinking water with low organic contents, even for rainwater collected immediately after rainfall. In contrast, rainwater harvested from road surfaces had poor quality with respect to the organic constituents, regardless of stored time.

Question:

(Feb 21, 2015) jeff brown said:
have a new idustrial building 5 years old and during the winter i have to pump the septic twice a month and not at all during the warmer months. i would presume its because the ground is frozen, how would i corect the problem

Reply:

I'd inspect the effluent piping between tank and drainfields to see I'd it's above the frost line and freezing. Also check in the D-box for uneven flow among soakbed liines. 

...

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