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  • 22 S. State St. Clearfield, UT 84015
  • Main : (801) 525-5000
  • M-F 8am to 5pm

 

Onsite Wastewater Systems

 

What Is an Onsite Wastewater System?

A residence or other building must have a way to address wastewater generated on the premises. In most cases the building is connected to the municipal sewer. If the municipal sewer is too far away, the property owner may have the option of installing an individual onsite wastewater system (i.e. septic tank and drain field) for the treatment and dispersal of wastewater. Not all properties meet requirements of state law for the installation of onsite wastewater systems (OWS).

wastewater

Permits

An Onsite Wastewater System Construction Permit is required before installing a new septic tank and drain field. Apply through our online permitting portal and our Environmental Health staff will review your submission and contact you with next steps.

Apply Now

Developing an Onsite Wastewater System

Statement of Feasibility

In order to develop a raw (undeveloped) property, a Feasibility Assessment is required. To initiate the process to obtain this document, the applicant will complete a Feasibility Assessment Application. Our office will conduct a GIS assessment, a records search, and a site assessment. We will also oversee the required soil evaluation, percolation tests, and ground water monitoring. Based on the feasibility studies, we will issue a Statement of Feasibility for the property. 

Construction Requirements

The inspector must assess the construction to insure proper excavation and installation of a onsite wastewater system. It must meet the requirements of the approved plan and be in compliance with the Rule R317-4. Of primary concern is whether the septic tank and drain field/deep trench have been sized and located properly for health and safety. The excavation cannot be back-filled until the health inspector has given final approval.

Existing Onsite Wastewater Systems

Locating an Existing Septic System

If you need help locating an existing septic tank, please submit an Onsite Wastewater System Application. When we receive this application, we can search our records and provide any information that we have regarding the system on your property.

Connecting to the Sewer

Municipal and state laws require that if a property is within 300 feet of a public sewer, the city, county, or sewer district may require sewer connection of any occupied buildings on the property.

Abandoning an Existing Septic System

To properly abandon a septic system, you must notify the health department within 72 hours prior to any excavation or construction. Then the septic tank must be pumped and removed or crushed in place and void filled or completely filled with earth sand or gravel.

When connecting to the sanitary sewer the building sewer must bypass the septic tank and slope at  ¼ inch per foot to the municipal or district sewer main. A clean out within two feet of the foundation is generally required by the building code.

Onsite Wastewater System Evaluation

Evaluation Criteria

An onsite wastewater system evaluation conforming to criteria established by the Department shall be performed any time:

  • A dwelling or facility served by an underground Onsite Wastewater System is substantially altered or otherwise has an increate in the design hydraulic flow rate;
  • A property containing an underground Onesite Wastewater System undergoes a change in ownership, legal description, size, or receives a new county parcel identification number;
  • An owner wants to certify for re-use of any components of a malfunctioning or failing system.

Drainage System Inspection

All plumbing fixtures shall be properly connected to the wastewater drainage system. The drainage system shall discharge only to the wastewater system. This does not include water softener waste diversion.

The dwelling or facility drainage system shall be visually or otherwise inspected to determine if all pipes exit the building at a point, and in a direction, consistent with the location of the septic tank.

  • Dye testing or other confirmation testing may be required in addition to visual observations.

Septic Tank Inspection

The septic tank shall be inspected using the operational checklist.

Absorption System Hydraulic Testing

The absorption system may be hydraulically tested by injecting an amount of water equal to the daily design load as determined by:

  • The permitted design wastewater generation; or
  • UAC §§ R317-4-6.4 Estimates of Wastewater Quantity.

Absorption System Determination/Discovery

If the system is an Unapproved System or no records exist, an evaluation of the absorption system shall be performed by a Service Provider to determine the following:

  • Type
  • Depth of excavations
  • Estimated size
  • Delineation of outside edges
  • As-built drawing

Service Provider Certification

All Onsite Wastewater System (OWS) Evaluation forms shall be completed by an individual certified in accordance with Utah Administrative Code (UAC) Chapter R317-11.

Level 2: Conventional Systems, UAC Chapter R317-560 Systems, Wastewater Holding Tanks.

Level 3: At-Grade Systems, Alternative Systems, Experimental Systems, Pressure Distribution Systems.

Permits & Fees

A permit from this office is required to install an onsite wastewater system. Fees are paid at each stage, from site approval through intermediate and final inspections.

Feasibility Assessment

  • Initial Site Assessment$200
  • Soil Evaluation (one pit)$200
  • Maximum Ground Water Determination$600
  • Subdivision Duplication (per lot)$150

Construction Permit

  • Septic Tank Only or Vault Privy$550
  • Wastewater Holding Tank$750
  • Conventional System$850
  • Alternative System$1,000

Operating Permit

  • Operating Permit$100

Other Fees

  • Onsite Wastewater System Evaluation$240
  • Non-Compliance Fee$100
  • State New System FeeSet by State of Utah

Northwestern Davis County Groundwater Study

In 2022, Davis County conducted a study of groundwater conditions in northwestern Davis County (Hooper area). The purpose of the study was to determine the impact that septic systems have had on the groundwater in the area, and to get recommendations for septic system densities going forward. The study found elevated levels of pollutants in the groundwater, indicating that it had been impacted by septic systems and other sources of contamination. The study also concluded that a density of about 10 acres per septic system should be maintained in order to not further deteriorate the groundwater quality.

The study's objectives, activities, findings, and recommendations can be viewed on the Davis County Septic Analysis Storyboard.

 


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