I want to build a house in the country. Since there are no sewer lines in the area, I will need a septic system. What steps do I need to take to get the septic system built?

Septic systems are permitted through county health departments. A professional engineer is often required to conduct percolation tests and describe the soil below the area of the system. A good plot plan which shows distances from property lines, wells, and other site features should be drawn.

Septic systems should be at least 100 feet from all wells and surface water. The size of the septic system is based upon the number of residents, the number of bedrooms, and from percolation test results.

Apply for a permit at your county health department to construct a septic system. Fees for this permit can be about $200. A site inspection must be made by an environmental health specialist before a building permit for the house can be issued. A licensed septic system installer should install the system. A final inspection is made by the county health department when all of the pipes are in place.

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