Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems (pdf) (1.23 MB)
Guide to help communities establish comprehensive management programs so their decentralized systems function properly. The guide focuses on public education and participation, planning, operation and maintenance, and financial assistance and funding.
- Guidelines Factsheet (pdf) (56.01 KB)
- Presentation: Understanding the Decentralized Management Guidelines (pdf) (1.11 MB)
- Handbook Factsheet (pdf) (134.41 KB)
Manuals
- Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems-Design Manual (pdf) (8.79 MB)
Provides technical information on onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems for those who design, construct, operate, and maintain wastewater systems.
- The Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Manual (pdf) (20.5 MB)
Provides technical information about onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems. It does not contain standards for those systems, nor does it contain pertinent rules or regulations. The manual assists those involved in the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and regulation of wastewater systems.
National Resources
- National Onsite Demonstration Project (NODP)
The NODP demonstrates the use of alternative, onsite wastewater treatment technologies to protect public health, ensure water quality and sustain the environment in small and rural communities. It was funded through the EPA and is directed by the National Environmental Services Center at West Virginia University.
- Decentralized Water Resources Collaborative
The collaborative, formerly known as the National Decentralized Water Resources Capacity Development Project, conducts research and provides outreach to help communities understand onsite/decentralized wastewater treatment alternatives. The project is now managed by the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) and other partner organizations.
- Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) Help for Small Community Wastewater Projects
RCAP provides training and technical assistance to address wastewater treatment and disposal issues in small, rural, and tribal communities.
- National Rural Water Association (NRWA) Wastewater Program
NRWA’s wastewater technicians work with their State Rural Water Associations to assist small, rural and economically challenged communities to enhance and maintain the financial sustainability of their wastewater systems through technical assistance and/or training.
- National Association of Counties
NACo represents county governments and serves as an instrumental role in our nation’s intergovernmental partnership between federal, state, local and tribal government officials.
- Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN)
A "first-stop shop" providing environmental management, planning, funding, and regulatory information for local government elected and appointed officials, managers, and staff.
- Certified Installer of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Credential Program
The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) has worked with various partner groups to develop a national credential program to certify installers of onsite wastewater treatment systems. The credential tests the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for installing an onsite wastewater treatment system, covers all forms of installation, and is offered at a basic and advanced level. Note that the credentialing program was discontinued due to the high cost of maintaining the exam. Visit the website for more information.
- The Wastewater Information System Tool (TWIST)
An off-the-shelf, user-friendly management tool for state and local health agencies to inventory and manage small wastewater treatment systems. It is designed to track information on homes and facilities served, permits, site evaluations, types of systems, inspections, and complaints.
- Planning for Septic Systems: Use of Online Decentralized Systems in Developing Areas, Factsheet (pdf) (542.11 KB)
A guide for county decision makers, planners, and local public health officials on planning for septic systems.
- It's Your Choice: A Guidebook for Local Officials on Small Community Wastewater Management Options (pdf) (30.41 MB)
Booklet about wastewater management systems for communities serving populations fewer than 10,000 people presenting wastewater treatment options for community officials and decision makers.
Local Resources
- Model Program to Assist State Septic Programs in Managing Water Quality Impacts in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
In June 2013, EPA initiated a model program for onsite wastewater treatment systems in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to help states prevent nutrients from entering the Bay. The program is a collaboration between EPA and state and local partners to reduce nitrogen discharges from onsite systems. The program implements a 2009 presidential executive order recognizing the Chesapeake Bay as a national treasure and requiring the federal government to lead an effort to restore and protect the nation's largest estuary and its watershed.
- Guide to a Model Program for Onsite in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (pdf) (9.5 MB)
Assists states in developing and implementing a program to manage onsite systems and minimize nitrogen impacts to the Chesapeake Bay.
Frequent Questions on Septic System Regulations and Compliance
- EPA does not regulate single family home septic systems. In most states, local health departments issue construction and operating permits to install septic systems under state laws that govern public health protection and abatement of public nuisances. Some states add water resource protection provisions to their septic system regulations because of the possible impacts from nitrogen and phosphorus.
Under most regulatory programs, the local permitting agency conducts a site assessment to determine whether the soils can provide adequate treatment. These programs ensure that ground water resources will not be threatened, and stipulate appropriate setback distances from buildings, driveways, property lines, and surface waters.
Some states permit alternative systems if conventional soil-based systems are not allowable. Very few permitting agencies conduct regular inspections of septic systems after they are installed.
- Individual onsite systems are regulated by states, tribes and local governments, not the federal government.
- Large capacity septic systems are regulated under EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Well program, large capacity septic systems requirements.
- Systems discharging to surface waters are regulated under EPA’s Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program.
- Disposal of sewage sludge (biosolids) and domestic septage are regulated under EPA’s sewage sludge regulation (40 CFR Part 503).
- A Guide to the Biosolids Risk Assessment for the EPA Part 503 Rule describes the risk assessment process that is the basis for the biosolids rule.
- If you have witnessed or are aware of an environmental violation, you can file a complaint with your state or local health department. It is imperative to contact your state or local health department as soon as possible to avoid public and/or environmental health risks. You can also report environmental violations to EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance.
- A property owner may be required to properly remove the abandoned septic tank or drainfield, depending on your state or county rules and regulations. Other rules may allow a system to be abandoned in place where there is little potential for environmental, health, or safety impacts. Contact your local permitting authority (i.e., local health or environmental department) about regulations regarding when and how to properly handle an abandoned septic system in your area.
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