Answer: There is no minimum lot size. The space required for a sewage system is determined by the suitability of the soils at the site, the number of bedrooms in the home, and the 100 foot set back from water wells. Q: How do I get a permit for a septic system?
- A minimum lot size of one-half acre (average gross) per dwelling unit is required for new developments in the Region using on-site septic tank-subsurface leaching/percolation systems. Moreover, can a homeowner install their own septic system?
Do I have to have a septic tank in Arkansas?
When to Use a Septic Tank In Arkansas, it is required that all homes located within 300 feet of a conventional sewer system that can gain access to that sewer without crossing another person’s property hook up to that conventional sewer system.
Can you install your own septic tank in Arkansas?
Arkansas law says that all onsite sewage systems (including septic and alternative systems) must be approved by a licensed installer. If you want to install your own system, you will have to get a license first. You’ll also need to be licensed if you want to repair or clean out your own waste system.
What is the smallest septic system you can buy?
If you’re looking to install a septic system, the smallest tank size you’re likely to find is 750-gallon, which will accommodate one to two bedrooms. You can also opt for a 1,000-gallon system, which will handle two to four bedrooms.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
How do I calculate the size of my septic drain field?
Drainfield Size
- The size of the drainfield is based on the number of bedrooms and soil characteristics, and is given as square feet.
- For example, the minimum required for a three bedroom house with a mid range percolation rate of 25 minutes per inch is 750 square feet.
How much does it cost to have a septic tank installed in Arkansas?
Most jobs will range between $4,000 and $9,200. In some cases, the price can be above $15,000. Below are some factors that commonly increase the cost.
Can you run GREY water on the ground in Arkansas?
At the Dam Site Campground on Greers Ferry Lake in Arkansas will not allow you to release your gray water on the ground because of all the limestone in the area. This prevent the gray water from properly filtering which allows the gray water to leak back into the ground water too quickly.
How deep are water lines buried in Arkansas?
Exterior water supply system piping shall be installed not less than 6 inches (152 mm) below the frost line and not less than 12 inches (305 mm) below grade.
How much does a perk test cost in Arkansas?
Perc testing typically costs $750 to $1,850 or $1,300 on average. On the high end, you might pay as much as $3,000 depending on local regulation and the size of the leach field or infiltration basin needed. A basic assessment costs $150 to $300 for a hand dug hole without specialized equipment.
Can you do your own perc test in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Department of Health specifies that an officially certified Designated Representative must administer the perk test. The Designated Representative is qualified to analyze the soil and has been licensed by the state to perform soil percolation tests.
How small can septic tank be?
One of the smallest tank sizes you can purchase is 750 to 900 gallons. These sizes are recommended for homes with two rooms or less, giving you plenty of space to properly flush and dispose of waste.
Septic Tank Laws in Arkansas
Table of Contents for Home-DIY The installation of a septic tank is an excellent alternative for property owners who do not have access to a traditional sewage system. It is possible for septic tanks to be simple to maintain while yet providing comprehensive on-site waste water treatment. The usage of septic tank systems, on the other hand, is strictly controlled by the Arkansas Department of Public Health (ADH). When the length of the sources is equal to zero, this.parentNode.removeChild(sources); otherwise, this.onerror = null; this.src = fallback; )(, arguments.target.currentSrc.replace(), ‘, /public/images/logo-fallback.png’) ” loading=”lazy”> ” loading=”lazy”> Fittings for the plumbing system Following ADH recommendations will assist you in determining if a septic tank system is appropriate for your site and will guarantee that it operates safely and without incident.
When to Use a Septic Tank
In Arkansas, it is mandatory for all residences located within 300 feet of a conventional sewage system that can acquire access to that sewer without crossing another person’s property to connect to that conventional sewer system, according to state regulations. In the event that a traditional sewer is not accessible, homeowners should consider the population density of the immediate surrounding region. It is possible that you will have to contemplate a form of communal waste water system if you live in a sufficiently large community.
Permits
Obtaining two permissions from the ADH is required when installing a new septic system: a permit for construction and a permit for operation. The homeowner must submit an application that includes soil testing, plans of the planned system, and any other information considered required by the ADH in order to acquire a building permit. It is required that during the building process, an inspection be carried out by an ADH official to ensure that no changes have been made to the design. Following the inspection, the representative from the ADH will issue a permit to begin operations.
Tank Specifications
Septic tanks are supposed to have a capacity large enough to allow them to be utilized with standard household appliances without overflowing. Tanks must be placed in a location that is easily accessible to septic tank cleaning vehicles in order to be cleaned. All septic tanks must be constructed by a manufacturer that has been granted a license by the Arizona Department of Health. An effective septic tank must be completely watertight, regardless of how it is constructed. Other standards may apply depending on the manner of construction and the materials used, therefore it’s necessary to double-check with an ADH representative before proceeding.
Tank Installers
It is critical that you select a reputable septic tank installation to do the job.
This means that your installer must be registered with the ADH and be responsible for ensuring that the tank satisfies ADH criteria and that the tank is not damaged during the installation.
Septic Tank Removal
If a septic tank is no longer in use, the contents of the tank must be evacuated by a qualified septic tank cleaner who will dispose of the waste properly. It is necessary to collapse the tank and replenish it with clean material after the contents have been taken from it.
The Drip Cap
- The installation of a septic tank is an excellent alternative for property owners who do not have access to a traditional sewage system. Following ADH recommendations will assist you in determining if a septic tank system is appropriate for your site and will guarantee that it operates safely and without incident. After that, if a traditional sewer is not accessible, homeowners should take into consideration the population density of the local region. All septic tanks must be constructed by a manufacturer that has been granted a license by the ADH. Whatever method is used to create it, a septic tank must be completely watertight.
Septic Regulations in Arkansas
Rural and small-town people in Arkansas, whose access to a public sewage system is either restricted or non-existent, account for a significant proportion of the state’s population. The installation of a septic system on the land of these people is the most prevalent method of dealing with wastewater disposal on their property.
Regulation of Septic Systems / Septic Contractors in Arkansas
Arkansas’s Department of Health regulates septic systems, which are located across the state. In addition, this Department regulates septic system construction and installation as well as licensing and certification of professionals participating in septic system operations, as well as the proper use and maintenance of privately owned septic systems.
Licensure Requirements for Septic System Contractors
In Arkansas, all installers and manufacturers of septic systems are required to get a license from the state and register with the state prior to commencing work. Contractors are required to undergo a state-administered test as part of the licensing procedure. The yearly registration fee is $100, and attendance in a state-sponsored seminar is required once a year. Septic system contractors in Arkansas are obliged to maintain proficiency in their area or risk having their license revoked. Septic system cleaners are also needed to hold an Arkansas license in order to work in the state.
Installing a New Septic System
Construction permits are required for the installation of new septic systems and are given by the Arkansas Division of Health. Before any work on the system can begin, an application stating the plans and requirements for the system must be filed to the appropriate authority. The first part of the application is completed by a Designated Representative after a soil test has been performed, the appropriateness of the lot has been assessed, and other information pertaining to the construction of the system has been obtained.
During the application procedure, the second step is the installation inspection, which can be performed by a Designated Representative at any point during the installation process.
How to File a Complaint
Septic system complaints should be sent to the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality in the event that the system is leaking or is not working properly. Providing anonymous feedback is permissible. Complaints can be lodged electronically through the Department’s website, or by contacting the department using the details provided below: ADEQ Water5301 Northshore DriveNorth Little Rock, AR 72118-5317Phone: (501) 682-0657ADEQ Water5301 Northshore DriveNorth Little Rock, AR 72118-5317 Phone: (501) 682-0910 Fax: (501) 682-0910
Finding a Nearby Septic Service Company
View our listing of small businesses that provide septic tank pumping and servicing in the state of Arkansas.
Arkansas Off Grid Laws: An In-Depth Guide
Check out our list of small businesses that provide septic tank pumping and repair throughout the state of Arkansas!
- Off Grid Laws in Every State in America
- Off Grid Living
- Homesteading: The Best States for Homesteading
- Off Grid Laws in Every State in America
Is Living Off-Grid Legal in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, off-grid life is frequently permitted. The only state rule that may make it illegal for you to entirely disconnect from the grid is a need to connect to (and pay for) the municipal sewer system if it is located near your home or other property. As well as a sewer statute, Arkansas has a slew of rules and regulations governing off-grid systems, including which sorts of systems are permitted, how they must be erected, and what permits are required. The installation of a big rainwater collecting system, recycling of graywater, or using a waste disposal method other than septic will present a number of challenges.
Local Zoning Laws and Off-Grid Living in Arkansas
Generally speaking, Arkansas law permits off-grid life. You may be required to connect to (and pay for) a municipal sewer system if one is located near your property, which is the sole state legislation that might prevent you from going fully off the grid. As well as a sewer legislation, Arkansas has a slew of rules and regulations governing the sorts of off-grid systems that are permitted, how they must be constructed, and the permits that are required. The installation of a big rainwater collecting system, recycling of graywater, or using a waste disposal method other than septic will present several challenges.
Off-Grid Solar in Arkansas
In Arkansas, off-grid solar is completely legal and permitted. Some rural counties have very lax regulations, and you may not even need a permit to install solar panels on your roof if you live in one of them. For solar installation, you will almost certainly need a building permit as well as an electric permit in most counties (even in the most rural ones). It is possible that you will be required to have a licensed master electrician install your solar system, and that you will be required to have the system inspected after it is completed.
Also, check out:
- What to Expect When Living Without Power
- Solar Power 101
- Best Off-Grid Refrigerators
- What to Expect When Living Without Power
Off-Grid Wind Energy in Arkansas
The requirements for putting wind turbines on your property in Arkansas are far more difficult than the rules for installing solar panels. There will most likely be municipal zoning laws governing the size and height of wind turbines that may be built. Many counties, which is a source of frustration, do not even include wind turbines in their rules, making it even more difficult to obtain consent for their construction. It is also possible that you will be barred from building wind turbines due to EPA regulations aimed to preserve birds or bats.
More information about the Arkansas state wind turbine laws may be found here.
Off-Grid Water Laws
Surface water on or next to your property is legally available for use on Arkansas property. In order to utilize the water, you are not need to get any licenses so long as you “share the water supply with other riparian users.” It is necessary to put the water to “useful use.” Using more than one acre-foot (325,851 gallons) of surface water per year necessitates the submission of a water use report to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Using surface water that is not connected to your property, such as water diverted from a nearby stream, is another an option you should consider.
The withdrawal would be deemed a non-riparian withdrawal in this instance, and you would be required to get a permission beforehand. It costs $500 to submit a permit application for non-riparian water usage at this time.
Well Water
In order to construct a well in Arkansas, you will need to obtain a permission. In each county, the permitting process is different. The well driller must hold an Arkansas Water Well Contractor’s License in order to do his or her work. Installation of the well pump necessitates the acquisition of a separate certification. Because these credentials are difficult to obtain, digging your own well in Arkansas is not a viable option. Arkansas is a state that has a lot of water, in general. There are, however, a number of Critical Groundwater Areas that have been identified.
Customers that utilize well water for non-domestic purposes and who have the potential to remove 50,000 gallons per day (35 gpm flow rate) must report their monthly withdrawals to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
Rainwater
Rainwater collection is permitted in Arkansas, but only in a legal gray area. The Plumbing Code of 2006 is now in effect in the state. The code only discusses rainwater gathered in cisterns and authorizes use “where a potable public water source is not available.” There are, however, suggested revisions to the Code of Conduct from 2006. Specifically, rainwater collecting is mentioned under “Non-potable Water Systems” in this version of the code, which is more contemporary. Rainwater harvesting systems would be permitted under the proposed revisions if they met the following requirements:
- Is created by a professional engineer who holds an Arkansas engineering license. Has proper cross-connection precautions in place. This product complies with Arkansas Plumbing Code
It is unclear whether these requirements entail that even the most basic harvesting devices would require the services of a professional engineer (which would be ridiculous and a huge burden). Although there is a lack of clarity on rainwater collecting regulations in Arkansas, many residents of the state continue to gather rainwater. Indeed, the state supports it and makes note of it on official government websites. You shouldn’t have any legal issues gathering rainwater in barrels in Arkansas as long as you aren’t causing a nuisance and keeping the area clean – but make sure you are up to speed on any changes to the law.
- Learn how to survive without running water, as well as some rainwater harvesting ideas and what you should know about rain barrels.
Sewage and Waste Removal
Sewage treatment, as is the case in the majority of states, is the area where the most stringent legislative requirements are found. According to the legislation, if your property is within 300 feet of a sewer line, you are required to connect to it; otherwise, you will not be permitted to utilize any onsite sewage treatment system under any circumstances. If you reside in an area where there is no sewage line and wish to utilize an off-grid technique, you must first obtain a permit from the city.
Aside from system plans and layouts, you’ll be required to provide results of soil tests, a percolation test, and other relevant information.
Immediately following the completion of construction, you will be required to have the system examined, and only then will you be issued a Permit for Operation. You can get the whole set of Arkansas laws and regulations for onsite wastewater systems right here.
Can I build my own septic tank?
Arkansas permits a wide variety of septic tank configurations. You will not be able to construct your own septic system, on the other hand. They must be created by persons who have received proper training. Becoming a certified manufacturer is unfeasible since you’d require equipment (such as vacuum testing equipment for leakage) to test your DIY septic tanks before you could gain clearance, which would be prohibitively expensive.
Compost Toilets
Compost toilets are permitted in Arkansas, however they must be authorized in accordance with NSF standard 41 before being installed. Your home might also be equipped with merely a composting toilet. Waste from the composting process can either be buried on site or sent to a landfill for disposal. Having a graywater disposal system that is permitted is required if your home has both running water and a septic system installed. This is generally indicative of a septic system. The use of soil absorption may be possible on a bigger site, but the system will need to fulfill certain standards and obtain a permission.
- What Is the Process of Using a Compost Toilet? A Brief Explanation of the Terms
- Composting Toilet 5 Gallon Bucket
- Composting Toilet Off Grid
- Composting Toilet for the Backyard
Graywater Recycling
Graywater recycling systems are permissible under Arkansas Plumbing Code Appendix C, which was published in 2006. Graywater from bathtubs, showers, lavatories, clothes washers, and laundry trays may be used for flushing toilets or urinals, as well as for subsurface irrigation, according to the law in effect. The laws must also be followed, and they include installing graywater holding tanks, dyeing graywater with a different color, and disinfecting graywater before it may be used. Many residents in Arkansas continue to utilize graywater to water their gardens, despite the fact that it is not strictly permitted to do so.
Outhouses/Latrines
Outhouses are not permitted in Arkansas, according to state law. It is even illegal to use an outhouse while constructing your property; instead, you must purchase a compost toilet that has been certified by the local health department or hire portable toilets from a registered provider. Also, check out:
Can I Install My Own Septic Tank or Alternative System in Arkansas?
Arkansas law requires that all onsite sewage systems (including septic and alternative systems) be authorized by a qualified installation before they may be installed. If you wish to install your own system, you will need to first obtain a license from the manufacturer. Furthermore, if you intend to repair or clean up your own waste system, you will need to obtain a license. The license process, on the other hand, is not too complex. It entails attending training sessions and then taking an exam to complete the process.
Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments box below.
onsite sewage systems (including both traditional and alternative systems) must be approved by a professional installation, according to Arkansas law. A license will be required if you wish to install your own system on your computer. Furthermore, if you intend to repair or clean up your own waste system, you will need to obtain a permit.
The licensing procedure, on the other hand, is not overly complicated. Training sessions are required, followed by the administration of an examination. Does your family have a homestead in Arkansas that is off the grid? Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments box below.
Septic Tanks Pose Potential Issues
In this file photo taken on Thursday, July 25, 2013, Robert Dunlap, a service manager and septic tank specialist with Roto-Rooter of Northwest Arkansas, removes the lid of a septic tank in Springdale before pumping out the contents of the tank and cleaning out the interior in this photo taken on July 25, 2013. A septic tank is a system that treats and disposes of wastewater created in a house or company by using natural processes. MR. ROGERS — The majority of folks in Northwest Arkansas don’t pause to consider the consequences of flushing their toilets or putting food down their trash disposals.
- In Benton County, however, there are over 25,000 septic tank owners who believe that a “flush and forget” mindset will do damage to their property and the region’s drinking water supply.
- In Benton County, even a property within a city may be on a septic system, according to the county’s website.
- Lateral lines are often buried shallowly, and driving over them might compress the earth around them and cause the pipes to break.
- Pump out a tank at least once every five to seven years to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
- Food, grease, plastics, and other materials should not be flushed down the toilet or down the garbage disposal.
- Septic tank additive Rid-X, while widely used, is not a substitute for regular maintenance.
- Reduce your usage of bleach and other home cleaning agents to a bare minimum.
For additional information about septic systems, please see the website.
Benton County has around 25,000 licensed septic tanks, with an unknown number of undocumented tanks that were placed prior to 1977, when the Arkansas Department of Health began requiring permits.
It’s possible that devices have been installed in the ground for which we do not have a permission, or that we are unaware of what is under the surface, according to her.
A large number of inhabitants live in homes with septic systems near Beaver Lake, which serves as the supply of drinking water for about 420,000 people in Northwest Arkansas, according to Bob Morgan, Beaver Water District manager for environmental quality.
John Pennington, executive director of the Beaver Watershed Alliance, described the situation as “the dirty secret no one wants to know.” To locate all of the historic properties that could be unrecorded would need a master’s thesis, according to the researcher.
Morgan claims that there hasn’t been a big shift in the last ten years.
Biological treatment of wastewater that clears between the top layer of scum and the bottom layer of solids is carried out by bacteria contained within the tank.
As a result, the liquids seep into the soil, where they are further cleaned by it, according to the rules and regulations for onsite wastewater systems established by the Arkansas State Board of Health.
A homeowner was not required to test his soil to determine whether it could withstand the seepage from a tank, and because state law did not mandate a design, he or she may install anything from a straight line pipe for drainage to a 50-gallon plastic drum.
According to John Sudduth, administrator of general services for Benton County, the county does not have any rules that pertain specifically to septic tanks.
According to Washington County law, the seller of any residential or commercial structure or land on which a house or business is to be built is required to have the existing system certified or cleared for installation by the Health Department prior to selling the structure or property.
According to Wannacott, 910 permits have been issued in Washington County from 2010 until the present.
Otherwise, the landowner may be subject to prosecution.
According to county law, if a septic tank on a property is more than 10 years old and the land is sold, the seller or buyer is required to have the tank examined to verify it is in proper working order.
Northwest Arkansas’ soluble bedrock topography is characterized by cracks and gaps that allow surface and groundwater to flow in concert with one another.
The failure of any portion of a system can result in a large amount of water being forced into a small region, which can exceed the soil’s ability to process wastewater.
Whenever a valve malfunctions, the lateral lines and holes might get clogged with particles and greases, causing the water to flow out in a single stream at a single spot.
After then, Morgan explained, the noxious water can deplete the lake’s oxygen supply and cause illness in individuals who come into touch with it.
If the lake’s health deteriorated to the point where the water district was forced to add another cleaning process, the region would see less fish and higher water bills.
Alternatively, people may believe that as long as we don’t see anything, everything is OK,” explained Angela Danovi, Arkansas projects manager at Ozark Water Watch.
Consider the following scenario: you build an addition to your home or increase the number of people living there, but you do not replace your septic system.
Residents who are unaware that they are on a septic system account for a significant part of septic system problems.
“I believe that if they were aware that something wasn’t operating properly, they would take care of it immediately.” Dangers that are not known According to Eastman, there are three types of septic system failures: wastewater can pool where the leak is located, plumbing can back up into the home due to a clog, and wastewater can seep through cracked rock, among other things.
- I’ll come across someone who says, “Oh, our system was put in place by my great-grandfather in 1940 and we’ve never had an issue with it,” she said.
- Russell Baker, a former resident of Bella Vista, claimed that when he returned from a winter vacation, he discovered that his septic system had failed during his absence.
- He had to spend approximately $3,000 to pump out and bury the old tank, as well as $3,000 to install a new one.
- “I had no notion what sort of tank we possessed, other than the fact that it was made of metal,” Baker said.
- Are you going to find out whether it’s a failure?
- As a result, people who have metal septic tanks will be unable to get their tanks repaired unless they replace their tanks.
- Piper Satterfield, an environmental health specialist with Benton County, said that before a permit is signed, an environmental health specialist reviews all of the calculations involved.
According to Eastman, after the landowner has the permission, he is free to do anything he wants with the system until a failure is reported by the landowner or someone lodges a complaint against him.
“I can’t just walk in and tell them they need to renovate their home,” she explained.
A grant was awarded to Benton County in 2008 to assist individuals who had leaking tanks and couldn’t afford to have them repaired.
“The vast majority of people do not want it in their yards.
Eastman stated that she would like to see a more extensive education program, in addition to the informational meetings and pamphlets that her office provides, as well as more grant money, implemented.
“I believe we’re doing the best job we can.” In other words, I’m not going to lie and pretend that nothing is bothering me.
This is an area that is rapidly expanding. We’re still putting in hundreds of septic systems every year, and it’s inevitable that there will be an impact at some point. It is our goal to keep that risk to an absolute minimum.”
Before You Buy Land
Are you interested in purchasing land for your future home? To find out if water and sewer services are available, contact your local government.
- A septic system will be required if there is no public sewer system available. If there is no public water available, you will need to drill a home well.
Make Sure There is Space to Meet Required Separation Distances
The quantity of area required for a septic system varies depending on the soil qualities and the size of the residence. Soil types such as sandy soils and clay soils require different amounts of space for a septic system. The same is true when comparing a three-bedroom house to a six-bedroom house: the septic system for the six-bedroom house will require more area than the septic system for the three-bedroom house. The following distances between your septic system and the following items should be taken into consideration.
- Buildings are 5 feet apart
- The property line is 5 feet apart
- A private well is 75 feet away
- A public well is 100 feet away
- Surface water is 75 feet away
- And a drainage ditch is 25 feet away.
Potential Problem Signs
Whenever you are looking for a home, pay close attention to any features that can interfere with the installation or operation of an on-site septic system.
- Is there any rough terrain on the property? The presence of bedrock near the ground surface may render the area unsuitable for the installation of a septic system. Exist gorges, ravines, very steep slopes, or other harsh topographical features
- And The terrain is susceptible to flooding, is this true? Whether or not there are any rivers or streams in close proximity to the property that may flood. Does the land appear to be damp or to be retaining water? Does it appear like surface drainage is a problem? Is there any water on the property that has been classified as jurisdictional wetlands? If you are unclear, you should consult with the US Army Corps of Engineers or the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. Do you have fill dirt on your land in certain areas?
What happens if a conventional or alternative standard system can’t be issued?
Regulation 61-56 specifies that if the property does not satisfy conventional or alternative septic system criteria as described in the regulation, you will be given a list of choices to consider. A professional engineer and a soil scientist can be brought in to analyze the land to decide whether or not it can sustain a specialized or designed system. This is one of the possibilities to consider (referred to as the 610 standard). It is possible that these systems may cost tens of thousands of dollars more than a typical system, and that they will also require wider separation lengths than those stated previously.
Know before you buy!
In Arkansas, you must get a building permit before you can construct a septic system. As part of our efforts to assist you in qualifying for a permit, we will test the soil and build a system that will manage water consumption for all of the structures on the site while remaining in harmony with the capabilities of the usable land.
What is your protocol for new property purchase?
For properties that do not have access to city sewer, you should investigate if a septic system is a realistic alternative before acquiring the property. Decide what you want to build on that property, what it will be used for, and where it will be placed within a reasonable distance of each other. We will assess the soil by digging test pits and reporting the results, along with recommendations. We can create the appropriate system after you have purchased the land. After that, we will submit a digital design to the health department in order to be approved.
What is the process for repairing, replacing, or adding to an existing System?
You must first get approval for the design of the work and a permit from the health department before making any alterations, enhancements, or additions to the absorption area (also known as the lateral lines). It entails determining the amount of space required for the absorption area, digging test pits and examining the soil to ensure that it is feasible, drawing out the proposed system, producing a digital design, and presenting it to the county for review and approval.
The installation, repairs, or enhancements can begin as soon as the permission is given by the appropriate authority.
