Overview

In accordance with WAC 246-272A-0270, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) requires owners of onsite sewage systems (OSS), including holding tanks, to obtain operational permits for their septic systems and submit OSS operation and maintenance inspection records annually or every three years.

A malfunctioning system has the potential to contaminate the water supplies Spokane County residents drink by allowing untreated sewage to enter the groundwater. To protect drinking water and prevent costly repairs, complete the required inspection and submit the report to SRHD.

Inspection Forms

See the following for information about the appropriate inspection form to use for your system.

Did You Receive a Postcard From SRHD? Action Required

Owners must ensure a complete evaluation of the system components and drainfield to assess whether it

Is functioning properly
Needs maintenance
Is in compliance with regulations

For a septic system containing a septic tank, drainfield and any other septic components, please complete the Operations and Maintenance Inspection Report Form and submit to SRHD.

Submit By Email

Completing Your Annual Holding Tank Inspection?

Owners must ensure a complete evaluation of the holding tank to assess whether it

Is functioning properly
Needs maintenance
Is in compliance with regulations

If you have a holding tank only and no drainfield or other components, please complete the Holding Tank Annual Inspection Report Form and return to SRHD.

Submit By Email

OSS Inspection Frequency

Septic system inspections must be completed either annually or once every three years.

Conventional gravity: every three years
All other on-site sewage systems: annually

Holding tank OSS must be inspected annually and reports submitted to SRHD per the holding tank agreement.

Maintaining Your Permit

To keep your permit up to date, all system components must be evaluated to determine whether sewage tanks need to be repaired or pumped and if the drainfield is operating properly.

Property owners intending to conduct their own inspection should visit the Washington State Department of Health Wastewater Management page and watch the training videos on how to inspect an OSS and review the maintenance manual for their OSS.

If you do not wish to perform the inspection yourself, you may contact an operations and maintenance provider.

See a list of operations and maintenance providers.

Need Help Finding Your Septic System?

For help locating your system and 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.

After Inspection

Once the inspection is complete, fill out the Operations and Maintenance Inspection report form and return the completed form to the SRHD Liquid Waste program within 60 days, weather permitting. If you are no longer the owner of this property, please notify our office.

Any observed deficiencies must be corrected. Certain repairs require a permit from SRHD prior to construction. For information about permit requirements, please call 509.324.1560 ext. 1 or email liquidwaste@srhd.org.

Property Transfer Inspections

Beginning Feb. 1, 2027, Washington state law will require on-site septic systems to be inspected by an approved Operations and Maintenance provider prior to property transfer or sale. Failure to obtain or maintain a current operational permit may delay property transfer inspections required in 2027 and after.