- If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog. When the drain field pipe becomes clogged, homeowners may see a variety of symptoms including: \
How long can a septic tank go without being pumped?
You can wait up to 10 years to drain your tank provided that you live alone and do not use the septic system often. You may feel like you can pump your septic tank waste less frequently to save money, but it’ll be difficult for you to know if the tank is working properly.
What happens if a septic tank is never pumped out?
What Are the Consequences of Not Pumping Your Tank? If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog. Waste water backing up into the house.
What happens if you wait too long to pump your septic tank?
Waiting too long to have your septic tank pumped can not only damage the tank, but in such cases, the overflow from the tank could leech into the surrounding ground and pollute the ground water.
Is it possible to never have to pump a septic tank?
If the septic system is extremely under utilized they can last for 25 or more years without pumping (for instance if its designed for 5–6 people and only 1–2 are living in the house). Eventually it will fill up and need replacing if the field becomes clogged.
What are the signs that your septic tank is full?
Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:
- Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
- Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
- Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
- You Hear Gurgling Water.
- You Have A Sewage Backup.
- How often should you empty your septic tank?
How do you tell if your septic tank is full?
How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptying
- Pooling water.
- Slow drains.
- Odours.
- An overly healthy lawn.
- Sewer backup.
- Gurgling Pipes.
- Trouble Flushing.
How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?
How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.
Why do some septic tanks never need to be pumped?
Over time, sludge breaks down further to eventually turn into biogas if given enough time. The methane gas produced is dangerous to us, but since it is combustible, it is often used by treatment facilities for power. By not pumping your tank, you are basically introducing methane into your tank.
Can I shower if my septic tank is full?
Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.
How do I clean my septic tank naturally?
You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!
Do you ever have to empty a septic tank?
As a general rule, you should ideally empty out your septic tank once every three to five years. A septic tank that isn’t working can pose problems for any household, such as sewage backing up into household drains or sewage bubbling up from the ground around the septic tank and lateral field.
Can you get your septic pumped in the winter?
Winter is really the only season we don’t recommend pumping septic systems. Unfortunately, frozen ground, heavy snow, and slippery ice can make it extremely difficult for even our skilled technicians to properly dig up and securely cover the septic tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a POWTS? It stands for aP rivateO nsiteW astewaterT reatmentS ystem, which is an abbreviation. The term’septic system’ is more commonly heard these days. Its primary purpose is to treat residential wastewater. When it comes to on-site systems, the most frequent configuration is a septic tank in conjunction with a regular drain field. A properly planned, built, and maintained system should be capable of operating for 20 to 40 years or longer, treating wastewater in order to reduce the negative impact on groundwater, surface water, and human health as a result of the discharge.
In addition to protecting the health and safety of Wisconsin people, the state legislation is meant to preserve the state’s ground and surface waters as well.
If a failed septic system pollutes drinking water, it can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the septic system’s owner.
Wisconsin Department of Commerce’s Wisconsin Administrative Code was amended in the year 2000, according to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.
- State Statute 145.20(5) covers the necessity that counties inventory all septic systems (POWTS) in the county and have a maintenance program in place that encompasses all of these systems in accordance with the requirements of the statute.
- In 2000, the State of Wisconsin amended the State plumbing law, which the County is responsible for enforcing and enforcing.
- It is necessary to pump out the contents of the tank(s) if the collected solids in them take up more than one-third of the total tank capacity.
- It is the responsibility of the County to establish a database of all septic systems situated within the County and issue reminders to those owners who are due for inspection and pumping to ensure that the work is done and reported to the County once every three years.
- What is the cost of the service?
- It will appear on your tax bill.
- Property owners, including tax-exempt organizations, who live in areas served by sewage districts are subject to sewer costs.
When it comes to taxes, what is the difference between a tax and a special fee?
In the case of individual parcels served by a septic system, a special fee is a distinct payment that can be added directly to the tax bill and collected directly from the property owner.
According to state legislation, all special fees must be paid first, before any taxes are collected.
I don’t have a septic system since I have a holding tank for waste.
Holding tanks are still considered privately owned septic systems, and as a result, they are included under this program.
Pumpers are obligated to report holding tank pumping to the County every six months, which means there is really a lot more labor and expense involved in keeping these records up to date than you may think.
It doesn’t matter what kind of system is put on your property; it is a POWTS system anyway.
As a property owner, what will be expected of me as a result of this program is unclear.
The pumping notice will contain questions that must be addressed, and as a result, you will need to call a licensed pumper to come out and examine your system before it can be pumped again.
Pumping letters will be sent to you every three years, alerting you that it is time for your system to be pumped out.
While pumping your septic tanks every three years is required by law, many professionals in the industry advocate a more frequent maintenance regimen to keep your system running smoothly.
In accordance with our records, Outagamie County will continue to issue pumping reminders every three years from the most recent date we have on file.
Private Septic Systems
Septic systems that are properly designed, installed, and maintained safeguard our ground and surface waterways, as well as minimize the spread of illness in our communities. Our sanitarians examine septic designs, issue permits, check system construction, and supervise the completion of necessary septic inspections and preventative maintenance.
- The following topics are covered: sanitary permits, septic system record look-up, septic system maintenance, abandoning a septic system, resources, and more.
Sanitary Permits
We grant sanitary permits to ensure that private septic systems are constructed in acceptable soil, in the correct location, and are of the proper size to ensure that waste does not pose a threat to public health and safety in the community. A Sanitary Permit is required in order to:
- Installing a new private septic system or replacing an existing system are two options. Private septic systems can be repaired, extended, or expanded if they already exist. Connect to a private septic system that already exists
- Other options for modifying an existing private septic system are available.
Steps to Getting a Sanitary Permit
- Have your soil evaluated by a competent soil tester who is licensed and bonded
- Consult with a licensed specialist about system design. A Master Plumber, a Master Plumber with Restrictions, or a Certified Designer are all possible options. When it comes to designing a septic system, a professional engineer may be qualified in some instances. Obtain a sanitary permit application and have it submitted to us by a competent professional. Fees are detailed in the WellSeptic Program Fee Schedule, which may be found here. Our sanitarian will review your plans and permit application and then issue a plan approval or a sanitary permit
- If your proposed system requires plan review, your designer will need to complete thePlan Review Applicationand submit it to our office with the sanitary permit application or to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services for review
Septic System Record Look-Up
Look for a private septic system that is currently operational in Dane County. Examine the records of the septic system
- You have the option of searching by either the address or the parcel number on the search page that appears. You should avoid attempting to look for both at the same time.
- If you’re looking for anything specific at a location, enter the street number in the “Street No.” area, and then click “Search.” To enter a street name in the “Street Name” section, type the first two or three letters of the street name (for example, “Sta” for State Highway 32 or “Bai” for Bailey Rd). Please do not input the following information: direction, street type, unit type, unit number, city, state, zip code, or parcel number. If you want to search by parcel number, just type in the 12-digit number without the dashes (for example, “090737520001” for 0907-375-2000-1), and leave the rest of the fields blank.
- The results of your search will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. It’s possible that you’ll have to scroll down to view your findings
- If there is a septic system ID or record number, it will be bold and highlighted in the list of results. More information on the septic system may be obtained by clicking on the ID number. To identify the proper system if there are numerous records listed, click on each record one by one. The following are detailed instructions for looking for septic system records:
Septic System Maintenance
It is necessary to examine and service all septic systems within the county on a regular basis in order to ensure that they are in proper functioning order. This helps to either prevent septic system failures or to recognize them as soon as possible when they occur.
- To ensure that septic systems in Dane County are in proper functioning order, they must be examined and maintained on a consistent basis. This helps to either prevent septic system failures or to recognize them as soon as possible when they do.
You may require one or more of the forms listed below to record a septic system inspection and maintenance.
- Private Sewage System Maintenance Form
- Holding Tank Servicing Contract
- Holding Tank Agreement
- Private Sewage System Maintenance Form
Maintenance Oversight
We comply with Dane County’s septic inspection and maintenance regulations by doing the following activities:
- Notices to private septic system owners reminding them of the deadline for submitting their annual maintenance report are being sent out. examining maintenance and pumping data to ensure that systems are in appropriate functioning order
- Adopting corrective measures to address issues identified in maintenance reports and ensuring that individuals adhere to reporting requirements This may involve issuing orders and citations, researching the state of the property and its ownership, and referring the matter to Dane County Corporation Counsel for additional legal action. ensuring that septic systems that no longer function correctly or do not comply with state or municipal laws are appropriately decommissioned
Abandoning a Septic System
Residents of Dane County are expected to notify us if their septic system has been abandoned for any reason. Notifying us as soon as possible helps to avoid you being charged a maintenance cost in the future. Alternatively, you can contact [email protected] or call (608) 242-6515 to inquire whether your system abandonment has been reported. Information and a form for abandoning a septic system
Resources
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources licenses septage hauling businesses in the county of Dane. Environmental Protection Agency’s Septic Smart: Learn the Ins and Outs of Your Septic System, is available online.
OSW FAQ
What exactly is a POWTS? POWTS stands for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System, which is an abbreviation for the term. The term’septic system’ is more commonly heard these days. Its primary purpose is to treat residential wastewater. When it comes to on-site systems, the most frequent configuration is a septic tank in conjunction with a regular drain field. A properly planned, built, and maintained system should be capable of operating for 20 to 40 years or longer, treating wastewater in order to reduce the negative impact on groundwater, surface water, and human health as a result of the discharge.
- It is the responsibility of each governmental entity in the state of Wisconsin to perform, complete, and maintain an inventory of all POWTS that are located within their jurisdictional boundaries.
- A comprehensive POWTS maintenance program, developed and implemented by the governmental unit upon completion of the inventory, shall be implemented.
- At least once every three years, each POWTS should be visually inspected in order to identify whether wastewater or effluent from the POWTS is ponding on top of the ground surface.
- The purpose of the state legislation is to preserve the health and safety of Wisconsin people, as well as the state’s ground and surface water resources.
- If a failed septic system pollutes drinking water, it can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the septic system’s owner.
- Local Government Code 383.255 and State Statute 145.20(5) both address the necessity that counties inventory all septic systems (POWTS) in the county and have a maintenance program in place that encompasses all of these systems, respectively.
- As a property owner, what will be expected of me as a result of this program is unclear.
The pumping notice will contain questions that must be addressed, and as a result, you will need to call a licensed pumper to come out and examine your system before it can be pumped again.
As soon as your POWTS is put into our system, you will begin receiving pumping alerts every three years, alerting you that it is time to get your system pumped.
While pumping your septic tanks every three years is required by law, many professionals in the industry advocate a more frequent maintenance regimen to keep your system running smoothly.
For those who do not already have a form, you can receive one by calling the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department at 715-346-1334, or you can access a form online here.
What will happen if I choose not to comply with the requirements?
You have the option of responding to the Summons and Complaint by contacting the Planning and Zoning Department prior to the court date or by appearing in court on the scheduled day.
The amount of the forfeiture will be calculated at the time of the violation.
In order to facilitate the filing of POWTS maintenance reports, Portage County has implemented an on-line reporting system.
Anyone may visit the site and check their parcel to see if the information has been reported, as well as to view the history of maintenance performed on it.
POWTS letters will be delivered to the addresses of properties suspected of having a POWTS in the near future.
A properly filled and returned form will need to be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department if the system has recently been serviced.
This means that every three years, they will get a form from Portage County notifying them of the need to service their POWTS system. What to do with your private onsite wastewater treatment system (POWTS) after a flood is explained in detail here.
Enforcement begins on Wisconsin’s 20-year-old onsite wastewater treatment systems law
Is there anything special about a POWTS? POWTS stands for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System, which is an abbreviation for this type of system. The term’septic system’ is more commonly heard nowadays. Water from the home will be treated by this device. On-site systems that are most commonly employed are those that include a holding tank in addition to a standard drain field. A properly planned, built, and maintained system should be capable of operating for 20 to 40 years or longer, treating wastewater in order to reduce the negative impact on groundwater, surface water, and human health as a result of the wastewater.
- Site visits, POWTS identification, or an appraisal of the POWTS are not required for the inventory.
- A comprehensive POWTS maintenance program is a process that accepts and records inspections, evaluations, maintenance, and servicing reports that are submitted by the POWTS owner or the owner’s agent.
- In what way does the state legislation serve a purpose?
- If a septic system is not performing effectively, it is critical to ensure that the wastewater or effluent is being treated appropriately and to identify septic systems when they are not functioning properly.
- The rules pertaining to this State statute are nowhere to be found.
- Maintaining all POWTS systems is addressed in SPS383.54, which specifies the types of maintenance that must be conducted on these systems and who is responsible for doing them.
- Following the distribution of this first information and the completion of the inventory, the County will begin sending out parcel-specific information and pumping alerts to property owners and managers.
The Planning and Zoning Department must receive your completed pumping form within the timeframe specified on the form.
As soon as your POWTS is put into our system, you will begin receiving pumping alerts every three years, alerting you that it is time to have the system pumped.
Should I do it once a year or twice a year?
If you choose to have your system serviced on a more frequent basis, you may supply your pumper with a copy of the pumping form, which they can then complete and send to the County on your behalf.
After three years have passed since the last date we have on file, Portage County will continue to send out pumping reminders every three years.
Law enforcement will issue a Summons and Complaint, which will necessitate a court appearance, and legal action will be conducted.
We will issue a $5,000 judgment against you if you fail to reply, and we will continue to pursue you until you comply.
The new POWTS Maintenance reporting system is described in detail below.
When a pumper has finished doing maintenance on a POWTS, he or she should log into the Portage County website and submit a report for the appropriate parcel.
Plans for the near future Update: The inventory part of this program was completed by Portage County in 2009.
In order to avoid having a POWTS on their property, homeowners who receive these letters must either contact the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department to discuss the issue or have their POWTS pumped and an inspection completed before returning it to the Planning and Zoning Department for further consideration.
Once the properties included in the inventory have been validated, they will be placed into the maintenance program, which means they will get a form from Portage County every three years noting that their POWTS is due for service.
When you have a flood, what should you do with your private onsite wastewater treatment system (POWTS)?
Sanitary Information
The Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Office is the state-authorized office for the granting of sanitary permits and the inspection of all privately owned on-site wastewater treatment facilities in the county, as defined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. You will need a private on-site wastewater treatment system if you are planning a new building project in Bayfield County and there is no public sewer service available. Installation of a sanitary / septic system is required in order to prevent waste from creating an environmental health risk.
- Toilets, bath tubs/showers, sinks/faucets, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and washers/dryers are all included.
Sanitary Permit Process
In order to apply for a land use permission (county) or a construction permit (state), the applicant must first get a sanitary permit and pay all applicable costs before proceeding. The following is the procedure to be followed in order to receive a sanitary permit:
- If you intend to install water receptacles (e.g., kitchen and/or bathroom sinks, faucets, showers, toilets, wash machine, etc.) in your construction, you must first get a state sanitary permission from the local government. If you do not want to have water receptacles, you might opt to build a privy in their place.
Privy Types
Types of privy access include the following: No soil test is required for vaulted privies, but they must be at least 200 gallons in size and be properly maintained every three years in order to function properly. Portable / satellite-style restrooms that do not meet the requirement for permanent placement unless they have a 200-gallon capacity and a service contract stating that the service provider will report maintenance activity to the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Department are not permitted in the county.
- Where there is just a single boring test carried out, the privy construction must be constructed over the bore.
- Camping Unit Transfer Containers (CUTC)- These containers can be used to provide sanitation for a Recreational Vehicle (RV) that is being used as a temporary residence in an area where there is no pressured water accessible.
- A maximum of one CUTC shall be permitted with each RV, and each CUTC shall only service a single RV.
- A Privy necessitates the completion of a Bayfield County Sanitary Form as well as a Privy Agreement/Affidavit, all of which may be found under the Sanitary Forms page.
Types of Septic Systems If your building project necessitates the installation of a state septic system, you must first conduct a soil test. Certified Soil Testers (PDF) (CST) must be licensed in the state of Wisconsin in order to perform this test.
- The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is a government agency that provides safety and professional services to the public. permits for the installation of either a non-pressurized in-ground or a pressurized in-ground design
- However, Bayfield County does not allow for the installation of either a non-pressurized in-ground or a pressurized in-ground design
- Upon certification by a soil tester that, in his or her professional judgment, the site is inappropriate for any treatment component other than holding tanks as a result of soil and site circumstances, the department may waive the soil test requirement.
A sanitary permit can be issued without the need for a state plan review in the case of a traditional, in-ground septic system that will serve a one or two family house and if the soils are acceptable for such a system.
- It is necessary to maintain this sort of system effectively and to submit a report to the County Planning and Zoning Office every three years.
Unless the soils require a mound system or an in-ground pressure system, or the system is to service a commercial facility, the designs must be authorized by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce before the County may grant a sanitary permit to the owner of the commercial building.
- It is necessary to maintain this sort of system effectively and to submit a report to the County Planning and Zoning Office every three years.
A sanitary permit can be issued by the county without requiring a state plan review if the soils necessitate the installation of a holding tank system and the system is intended to serve just one or two family dwellings.
- Whenever the wastewater level in the tank falls below one foot below the inflow invert of the tank, this sort of system must be properly maintained and reported to the County Planning and Zoning Office.
It is necessary to obtain approval from the Wisconsin Department of Public Safety (DSPS) before the county may grant a sanitary permit for a holding tank system serving a business structure.
- Such systems must be properly maintained and reported to the County Planning and Zoning Office when the wastewater level in the tank falls one foot below the inflow invert of the tank.
After determining that an aerobic treatment system (ATU) is required due to soil conditions, the County must get the designs authorized by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce before issuing an environmental permit.
- According to state or local regulations, this sort of system must be properly maintained and reported to the County Planning and Zoning Office when required (when the combined sludge and scum volume equals 1/3 of the tank capacity
- When the combined sludge and scum volume equals 1/3 of the tank volume).
An architect, an engineer, a plumbing designer, or a qualified master plumber must create sanitary plans for submission to the county and, if necessary, to the state for approval. The installation of these systems must be completed by a Master Plumber who is licensed by the State of Wisconsin.
- An architect, an engineer, a plumbing designer, or a qualified master plumber must create sanitary plans for submission to the county and, if necessary, to the state. All plumbing systems, including these, must be installed by a Master Plumber who is licensed by the State of Wisconsin.
Permit Application Process
The submission of an application for a sanitary permit is normally one of the initial steps in the building construction process. In the state of Wisconsin, a Master Plumber (PDF) is required to get a state sanitary permit before beginning any work. Other procedures may involve meeting municipal, town, state, and federal standards, as well as receiving a 911 address from the appropriate authorities. Make certain you are familiar with all of the procedures involved in the permit issuance process to guarantee a smooth transition into the subsequent development phase.
Plan your construction project far in advance to ensure that you can accommodate these requirements.
state inspector), and a building permit have been acquired.
In the event of any questions or issues regarding the land use and/or sanitary permit processes, please contact the Planning and Zoning Office at 715-373-6138.
Submittal of Paperwork
State Sanitary and/or Soil Test submittals to the Planning and Zoning Department must be accompanied by a Check List, which must be filed with all other papers. In addition, fees must be paid at the time of submission.
- A Check List must be presented with all papers to the Planning and Zoning Department when submitting State Sanitary and/or Soil Test submittals. Fees must also be paid at the time of submission of the application form.
Oconto County » Departments » Planning/Zoning/Solid Waste
Statement of Purpose The purpose of the Oconto County Planning, Zoning, and Solid Waste Department is to preserve and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of Oconto County. To this end, we are tasked with protecting agricultural and related uses such as residential, commercial, and industry from harmful or damaging encroachment by incompatible uses. We work to guarantee that future expansion proceeds in a planned and orderly manner, allowing natural resources to be safeguarded and property values to be preserved.
Land division, physical address, and recycling are among the topics covered by these rules, which also include floodplain management, shoreland protection, sanitary regulations.
The Department of Planning, Zoning, and Solid Waste also supervises the county’s recycling program, which includes the collecting and processing of recyclable materials, as well as the dissemination of information and education to all interested parties.
| Contact: | Patrick Virtues – Department Head Phone: 920-834-6827 Fax: 920-834-6821Click here to email |
| Address: | 301 Washington StreetOconto, WI 54153Map |
| Office Hours: | Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. till 4:00 P.M. |
Marinette County – Waterfalls Capital of Wisconsin
| Private Sewage System MaintenanceAccording to Wisconsin State Statues, Marinette County requires all owners of septic systems to participate in the Private Onsite Waste Treatment Systems Maintenance. This states that all septic tanks should be inspected and/or pumped every three years. Proper operation and maintenance of your septic system can have a significant impact on how well it works and how long it lasts. Preventing groundwater pollution from failing septic systems should be a priority for every homeowner. When a septic system fails, inadequately treated domestic waste can reach the groundwater. Bacteria and viruses from human waste can lead to dysentery, hepatitis and typhoid fever. There are also unpleasant symptoms to a failing septic system such as pungent odors and a soggy lawn.Why am I required to have my system maintained every three years?A key reason to maintain your system is to save money! A three year inspection is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire septic system. For example, a new septic system can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 to replace a failing system compared to the $100 to $300 average yearly cost to have a septic routinely pumped and inspected. Other reasons include preventing the spread of infection and disease and protecting the ground water. Untreated wastewater from failing septic systems can contaminate nearby wells, groundwater and drinking water sources. Failing septic systems may contribute to the pollution of local rivers, lakes and shoreline that your community uses for commercial or recreational uses. Also the state plumbing code requires all systems installed in Marinette County to have maintenance completed at least every 3 years.Why am I required to do maintenance on my cottage septic system when I only use it two or three times a year?The requirements pertain to all septic systems and do not differentiate between primary and secondary dwellings (cottages). In some situations systems on limited use may have a higher potential of malfunctioning. The systems have an increased probability of freezing that can break components in the tank or dispersal cell potentially causing a backup of the system into the structure or discharge to the ground surface causing a human health hazard.My tanks were pumped last year and now I received my notice. Do I need to schedule another maintenance inspection considering the tanks were pumped the year before?In this case you should contact the service provider who pumped the tanks and ask if this individual would sign the card stating they verified the system meets the requirements of the notice. Remember that this individual is required to verify all components of the system and not just the pumping of the tanks. As per state code, the owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring the operation and maintenance of the septic system.What are the licensed pumpers, plumbers, ect. required to inspect?Tank should be inspected for the condition of the manholes, observation pipes, cracks or leaks in the tank, baffle/filter condition and pumping if needed. Tanks that have combined sludge and scum levels over 1/3 the tank capacity shall be pumped.The pump tanks should also be inspected for proper operation of alarms, pumps, etc. The dispersal cell(s) should be visually inspected for discharge to the ground surface and verifying effluent levels if any in the observation pipes.In general when is the best time to have my tank pumped?It is best to pump your septic system spring, summer and early fall. Holding off until late fall increases the possibility of freezing your septic system. All septic tanks need warmth to maintain a temperature above freezing thru the winter months. In order to avoid freeze-ups it is best to perform the maintenance in the summer months. If the tanks cannot be pumped until late fall or later provide additional insulation over the tank(s). |
POWTS Maintenance Information
The updated unified plumbing code for the state of Wisconsin went into effect on July 1, 2000, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Originally known as Wisconsin Administrative Code Comm. 83, it is currently known as Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 383 (State Administrative Code). A requirement of this new code package is that all counties in Wisconsin establish an inventory and maintenance tracking program for their Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS). A POWTS system, also known as a septic system, can be divided into several types: conventional systems, mound systems, at-grade systems, pre-treatment systems, holding tanks, and so forth.
Douglas County must have a POWTS maintenance and tracking program in place by October 1, 2019, or face a fine.
According to Wisconsin State Statute SPS 383, these postcards warn property owners that an inspection, maintenance and/or pumping of their POWTS must be undertaken in order to comply with the law.
Records of sanitary permits dating back to the 1970s are kept in our office, and we now have an inventory of over 8,000 POWTS installed and operational across the county.
How the POWTS Maintenance Program will work
Every owner of property in Douglas County that is serviced by a POWTS system will get an initial postcard notification saying that their system must be examined; owners will have three years from the date of the original postcard to complete the inspection process. When the first postcard is sent out, it will be delivered to one-third of the county at a time; please visit seemapt to find out which year each postage stamp will be delivered. Following the first mailing of the postcard, property owners will continue to get postcard reminders to have their system inspected and/or pumped every three years, or as indicated in the maintenance plan for their POWTS.
What the Inspection Requires
POWTS have been divided into three different categories: a.
Systems installed prior to July 1, 2000
- In order to identify whether wastewater or effluent from the POWTS is ponding on the surface of the ground, a visual assessment of the ground surface will be performed. Septic tanks must be pumped out by a professional septic hauler if the amount of sludge and scum combined equals one-third of the tank’s total capacity, as determined by the tank’s inspection. It is necessary to contact a qualified septic hauler as soon as the alarm goes off in order to get the tank pumped.
Frequently Asked Questions
The majority of septic systems fail as a result of faulty design or inadequate maintenance practices. On certain locations with inadequate or unsuitable soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables, soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are erected whereas others (those without) are not. Hydraulic failures and pollution of neighboring water sources are possible outcomes of these situations. Regular maintenance, such as pumping the septic tank on a regular basis (usually every three to five years), can prevent sediments in the tank from migrating into the drain field and clogging the system.
Whom to contact if you have problems with your septic system
Contact a local septic system service provider, your local health department, or the regulatory agency in charge of onsite wastewater treatment systems.
You may look up the phone number for your local health department online or in your phone book to find out more information. Find a professional in your region by searching online searchable databases of installers and septic system service providers:
- The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association’s Septic Locator
- The National Association of Wastewater Technicians
- And the National Association of Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
What to do if your home floods
It is important not to come into direct touch with sewage if it has backed up into your home from your plumbing fittings or onsite system since it may contain hazardous bacteria. For further information, speak with your local health department or regulatory body. Ensure that cleaning personnel are properly protected with protective clothing (such as long rubber gloves and face splash shields). After the cleanup is completed, thoroughly wash all equipment, tools, and clothing that were used during the cleanup, as well as the flooded area, to remove any remaining contaminants.
If the region has not been entirely dried for at least 24 hours, it should not be utilized until it has been properly dried.
- Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website. Flooding and Septic Systems: What to Do After the Flood
- See also The Following Questions and Answers Regarding Septic Systems: What to Do After a Flood
In the event that you have a private drinking water well, find out what to do with it after a flood.
Whom to contact for information on septic systems
Those seeking technical support can contact the National Environmental Services Center’s technical assistance hotline at (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191, which is available toll-free.
Septic & Pump Tank Maintenance
Since April 7, 1981, a septic system maintenance program has been in operation for all Private Onsite Water Treatment Systems (POWTS) in Kenosha County where an application for a sanitary permit has been accepted and granted from that date forward, unless otherwise specified. There was a POWTSmaintenance cycle that had to be followed for allPOWTS where a sanitary permit had been obtained. Unless otherwise specified, the minimum necessary maintenance (service) period for allPOWTS, with the exception of holding tanks and systems with pretreatment units, is three years.
This program requires allPOWTSto have an inspection and service event occur, whether it is pumping of the treatment tanks or total solids accumulation evaluation, at least once every three years.
Service Event Report Data
During the 3-year maintenance interval following the last documented date of service with this department, a notice and report form (PDF) is issued out to all affected POWTSowners informing them that servicing will be done within that time period. It is necessary to complete and submit the POWTSservice event report data to this department via theKenosha County Sanitary Maintenance Portalwithin the first notice period, or else a second notice with the report form is mailed to all remaining affectedPOWTSowners to remind them of this requirement.
Owner Responsibility
POWTSowners are responsible for ensuring that this department gets the completed service event report data through theKenosha County Sanitary Maintenance Portal. Owners should not presume that if theirPOWTShas been pumped, that this department will be aware of this development. POWTSowners should therefore not make the assumption that the POWTSservice provider will automatically submit the service event report data to this department using the approach that has been previously indicated. If the service firm has not been advised of the mandatory service event notification, it is possible that no information regarding the POWTSservice has been transmitted to this department at all.
As a result of the State of Wisconsin granting them review authority, the service providers are responsible for the information they supply to the county and put into the kcsmp database.
Pressurized Systems
It is necessary to service both tanks, the septic tank and the dosage tank, for those POWTSowners who have pressurized systems (which includes mounds). These servicing events offer the service provider with a chance to inspect the system to determine whether or not there seems to be any faults. It also offers the service provider with a chance to service the effluent filter that has been in service since July 1, 2000, and which serves allPOWTS. Some POWTS that were installed before July 1, 2000, are also equipped with effluent filters.
Primary Purpose for Service
Both tanks, the septic tank and the dosage tank, must be maintained for POWTSowners who have pressurized systems (which includes mounds). If there appears to be a system fault during these servicing sessions, the service provider might take advantage of this chance to inspect the system for any problems. Moreover, it gives a chance for the supplier to maintain the effluent filter that has been serving allPOWTSsince July 1, 2000. Effluent filters are also installed in certain POWTS that were built prior to July 1, 2000.
Questions
Contact Kenosha County by email, theKenosha County Sanitary Maintenance Portal, or by phone at 262-857-1895 or 262-605-6700 if you have any concerns about this program or an issue that you are experiencing.
