On-Site Sewage Systems

An improperly designed, located, constructed, or maintained septic system can allow bacteria, viruses, household chemicals, and other contaminants into the groundwater, creating the potential for serious human illness.

Scheduled Inspection Hotline

Customers can request a copy of their as-built drawing - Email or call with parcel #

Program Overview

The Liquid Waste (on-site sewage/septic) program at Spokane Regional Health District exists to ensure that on-site sewage disposal systems are properly designed and installed to prevent public exposure to sewage, and to protect ground water and surface waters in the region.

Ensuring Compliance with Regulations

The program's mission is achieved by ensuring compliance with regulations through permitting and inspections of on-site sewage systems for single-family homes, small businesses, and apartment buildings that use less than 3,500 gallons of water per day.

The work of this program is important to maintain the safety and quality of drinking water. Should untreated effluent enter the groundwater, area wells may become contaminated, creating a health hazard with the potential to cause many human diseases. In addition, should this sewage reach nearby streams or water bodies, aquatic life and recreational swimming areas may be jeopardized.

The program is funded primarily with application fees and permit fees. The Liquid Waste program works with outside agencies like Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Department of Ecology, and local building and planning departments to carry out its mission. Additionally, Washington State Department of Health and Washington Department of Ecology enforce regulations for larger sewage systems and those systems that treat industrial wastewater.