Alerts: Nov. 12, 2024: Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak confirmed in Spokane County. SRHD urges parents and pregnant people to vaccinate. Read the press release. | Feb. 21: Some federal websites are experiencing disruptions while being reviewed for compliance with President Trump’s executive orders. As a result, some links and information on srhd.org may be unavailable.
Programs and Services
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.
Spokane Regional Health District’s (SRHD) Liquid Waste program works with homeowners, businesses and contractors to ensure that on-site sewage disposal (septic) systems are properly designed and installed. This includes confirming 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.
Proper septic system design and installation helps prevent public exposure to sewage and protects groundwater and surface waters in the region. If untreated sewage enters the groundwater, area wells could become contaminated, creating a health hazard with the potential to cause many human diseases. Similarly, sewage allowed to contaminate nearby streams or water bodies can harm aquatic life and jeopardize recreational swimming areas.
To request a copy of an as-built or record drawing, please email asbuiltrequest@srhd.org or call 509.324.1546. Please note, this is an automated phone line. Please be prepared to provide the parcel number and address.
The Liquid Waste program is funded primarily by application and permit fees. The program conducts its work in partnership with other agencies including the Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Department of Ecology, and local building and planning departments.
If you are looking for assistance with funding for your on-site sewage disposal system please contact the Washington State Department of Ecology or the Spokane Conservation District to see if you are eligible.
The Liquid Waste program permits and inspects on-site sewage systems using less than 3,500 gallons of water per day. Washington State Department of Health and Washington Department of Ecology enforce regulations for larger sewage systems and those systems that treat industrial wastewater.
SRHD inspects a portion of new water wells constructed in Spokane County to ensure they meet construction standards as well as all decommissioned water wells in the county.
