Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS)
Apply For a Septic Permit
- Please review the Frozen Ground Conditions Memorandum
- Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal under the SSTS Licenses and Permits tab. A paper application is also available.
- A septic permit is required in Washington County when:
- Installing new septic tanks and/or soil treatment areas (drainfields, at-grades and mounds)
- All repair/modification of existing systems and components.
- Changes in the facility served by the system may trigger a permit and the Department should be contacted at 651-430-6655 or via email.
Financial Assistance for Your Septic System
- Washington County low interest loan program guidance and application procedure.
- Washington County low income fix up grants guidance and application procedure.
- Application for low interest loan or low income fix up grant.
Compliance Inspections
- A compliance inspection is required prior to the transfer of real property.
- A compliance inspection may be required when changing the facility served by the system (renovation/addition).
- A compliance inspection must be done by a licensed inspector.
View Information on Your Septic System
- Search for information on your septic system using our online portal by hovering over the reports tab at the top and then clicking on search.
Apply For a Permit to Land Apply Septage
- Complete an application to land apply septage in Washington County.
- A permit to land apply septage is required for every parcel that will be applied to; contiguous parcels will be permitted together.
Manage Your Operating Permit
- Enter monitoring data or other information regarding your operating permit using the online permitting portal under the Operating Permits tab.
Forms and Resources
- Licensed Septic Contractors (Designers, Installers, Inspectors, Maintainers, Service Providers)
- Washington County Septic Ordinance #206 (Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Regulations)
- Septic System Financial Assistance Frequently Asked Questions
SSTS Records and Risk Assessment Project
In 2017, the county received a Clean Water Fund grant to conduct a records catalog and risk assessment. The CWF grant is for $100,000, with a 25% match, and it ends December 2019. The grant workplan includes: 1) collection and digitation of remaining paper records, including those from cities, 2) conducting a risk assessment countywide, using available data. The risk assessment will be a tool for county and local partners for prioritizing resources and assisting county and local officials with future planning.