Oregon DEQ: Water Quality - Onsite (Septic Systems)

Over 30% of Oregonians dispose of wastewater from their homes and businesses through the use of septic systems. The siting, design, installation and ongoing operation and maintenance of septic systems are regulated by DEQ. Without this oversight, septic systems can fail or malfunction, pollute Oregon’s land and waterways with raw sewage and create public health hazards.

DEQ directly manages the onsite septic system program in 12 counties, referred to as “direct service” counties. Twenty-four counties manage the program under contract with DEQ, referred to as “contract counties”. DEQ and the contract counties are also responsible for ensuring that septic tank pumpers have the necessary equipment to safely pump, transport and dispose of the waste from septic systems, known as septage. In addition, DEQ certifies and licenses installers and pumpers, and reviews and approves products such as septic tanks, alternative treatment technologies and alternative drainfield products.

Current News

Timeline Adjustment for Onsite Septic System Rulemaking

DEQ is adjusting the timeline for completing the Onsite (septic system) Program rulemaking. The agency plans to recommend rules to the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission for adoption later this year rather than in March.

This allows more time for DEQ to consider and respond to the comments received on the proposed rules during the public comment period that closed October 19, 2012.
DEQ has been advised that it will not be able to charge a reporting fee for time of transfer inspection reports due to an Oregon ballot measure that passed in November 2012. Ballot Measure 79 prohibits any "tax, fee or other assessment upon the transfer of any interest in real property ..." The agency had planned to use the reporting fee revenue to fund a staff position to implement the inspection program—this is no longer an option. DEQ is evaluating alternative approaches that would achieve the objectives of the inspection program.

DEQ is proposing rule changes for the onsite septic system rules. For information, please review the announcement. The comment period closed at 5pm on Friday, October 19, 2012.

Information letters and forms for annual reports from Maintenance Providers Homeowners of Holding Tanks have been mailed. This year DEQ also sent a cover letter to Homeowners of Alternative systems and included the information that was sent to the Maintenance providers. Copies of the letters and forms are listed below:

S. Deschutes/N. Klamath Groundwater Protection Project - DEQ is working with the community to protect the groundwater from nitrate contamination from traditional onsite septic wastewater treatment systems in southern Deschutes and northern Klamath counties.

Direct links to listings of approved CEUs for certified installers and maintenance providers:

Program Topics

What you should know about Septic Systems
What to know before you buy undeveloped property or a home with an existing septic system, information on installing a new system and maintaining a system, and signs of system failure.
Forms and Guidelines
Application form and guideline packets, business licensing forms, product approval application forms and checklists, variance applications and more.
Rules and Regulations
Oregon Administrative Rules and Revised Statues. Important information on Time of Transfer Inspections.
Sewage Disposal Service Business Licensing
Sewage Disposal Service Business licensing information, database and application forms.
Installer/Maintenance Provider Certification
Installer/Maintenance Provider certification information, database and forms.
Approved Products and Product Approval
Information on onsite wastewater system products and technology approved in Oregon and on getting product approval.
Technical Resources
Presentations, the LaPine Demonstration Project data, links to additional Onsite information
DEQ Staff and County Agent Contacts
Find DEQ Onsite contact information and county contact information

Fact Sheets

Onsite Wastewater Management Program (Septic Systems)