Staff Availability for Questions

Environmental Health staff are available for questions about land use, septic systems, or wells at the Building Development Center Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 4:00 PM. For additional contact information, click here.

Septic System Permit Search

Current Permit Info Lookup current permit status for Septic and Landuse Projects.
OR
Historic Septic Permit Info You will need your permit, project, or parcel number to complete the search.

Operation & Maintenance

Learn to properly operate and maintain your septic system.

• Septic System Basics
• The Drainfield
• Inspecting Your Septic Tank
• Septic Systems Dos and Don'ts
• Special Conditions

Septic System Videos

• Gravity Flow System, Understanding and Maintaining Your [VIDEO]
• Pressure Distribution System, Understanding and Maintaining Your [VIDEO]
• Mound System, Understanding and Maintaining Your [VIDEO]
• Sand Filter System, Understanding and Maintaining Your [VIDEO]
• DIY Septic System Inspection Video [DOH] Field Guide and Checklist can be found at the bottom of the webpage to assist you in inspecting your system.

Types of Septic Systems

Find out about the different types of septic systems.

• Conventional Systems
• Gravity System [PDF]
• Pressure Distribution System [PDF]
• Alternative Systems
• Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
• Mound System [PDF]
• Sand Filter System [PDF]
• Other Systems (Proprietary)
  For the most up-to-date information on proprietary sewage products approved by Washington State, see the Washington State Department of Health document titled "List of Registered On-Site Treatment and Distribution Products" [PDF]

Time of Transfer

Requirements for properties with on-site sewage systems when sold or transferred...more

Septic System Professionals

• Septic system professionals certified to perform services in Thurston County:
• Designers [PDF]
• Installers [PDF]
• Pumpers [PDF]
• Monitoring Specialists [PDF]
• Information for Septic System Professionals:
• Certified Monitoring Specialist
• Designers and Installers
• Installers
• Pumpers

Operational Certificates

Thurston County requires certain types of septic systems to have Operational Certificates. Find out what is needed to renew the certificate. ...more

Financial Assistance — Low-Interest Loans and Grant Programs

Administers several low-interest loan and grant programs to help residents who live in shellfish protection areas or need financial assistance to maintain existing systems and repair failing systems. ...more

Permits

Issues permits for new septic systems or when repairs to an existing system are needed. Currently under construction.

Educational Materials / Workshops

List of publications, workshops, and other information for septic system owners....more

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to common questions. ...more

Onsite Septic System Owner Education Project

Link to Final Report