FAQs - Environmental Program

Agencies | Online Services | Policies

Environmental Program

What is the minimum lot size required for a septic system approval?

There is not a minimum lot size. The size of the septic system is based on the suitability of the soil and the number of bedrooms in the home.

How do I obtain a permit for a septic system?

Contact your local health department for a list of Designated resentatives (DR) that will perform a soils test on your property. The soils test will determine if your lot is suitable for a standard septic system or an alternate system.

Is there an exemption to obtaining a septic system permit?

A homeowner with ten acres or more may build one home and install a septic system in which all components are at least 200 feet from the nearest property line without obtaining a permit.

How do I take a private water sample?

Call your local county sanitarian. He can provide a free detailed handout explaining the proper sample procedures and answer your questions. 1.a. What does unsafe, TNTC, CG, 100 ml, and coliform mean? The analysis conducted on your water sample is called a Total Coliform Membrane Filtration Test. It is the standard drinking water bacteriological test as required by the EPA for all public water systems. In this test , the laboratory is looking for coliform bacteria, which is a group of bacteria which originate in the gut of all warm blooded animals. The usual pathogens or disease causing bacteria are difficult to quantify in the laboratory, so due to the origin of coliform bacteria and the fact that they are easy to quantify, coliform are monitored as the sanitary quality of a water supply. Coliform bacteria should not be present in a properly located, drilled well that is adequately protected from surface contamination. Coliform bacteria will always be present when there is sewage pollution (septic tank, sewer line) or surface contamination of the water supply. Without coliform bacteria being present, it is unlikely that any of the usual water-pathogens will be present.

Your results of TNTC, "too numerous to count", or CG, "confluent growth", can be interpreted to mean that numerous bacteria were present but they were too crowded or numerous to count, and may have inhibited the growth of coliform bacteria. This is considered 'unsafe' because it cannot be proven to be "safe". A retest after disinfection of the water supply is then normally recommended.

100ml is the metric volume of the sample container, 100 milliliters.

You have 5 options in dealing with a water well that is unsafe for bacteria.

	You can boil the water at a brisk boil for five minutes. This will kill all the bacteria in the water and it will be safe drinking, cooking, making coffee or tea, or brushing your teeth.
	You can use bottled water for these activities.
	You can disinfect the well using a household bleach (instructions are enclosed).
	You can utilize some means of continuous disinfection, i.e., ultraviolet light, ozone, chlorination.
	Connect to public water if available.

What are the requirements for the submission of subdivision plans?

Guidelines for the submission of plans are available in each county health unit. There are guidelines for subdivisions on private wells and subdivisions on pubic water.

Who do I call if I am dissatisfied with my local sanitarian?

The Sanitarian Supervisor is located in the Area Office. There are ten Area offices around the state. The local sanitarian can provide you with the telephone number of their respective Area Office.

How do I become a Designated Representative (DR)?

Act 402 of 1977 defines the qualifications of a DR. A copy of Act 402 is available at each local health unit.