Sewage
Proper maintenance of sewage treatment systems is essential for keeping groundwater, lakes and streams healthy which protects our natural resources and the health of people who get water from wells. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) regulates sewage treatment systems across the state through statutory authority established under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 3718 and Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-29 which was updated and became effective on January 1, 2015. Permitting, inspections and enforcement are conducted by the local health departments and local health departments may adopt more stringent rules and standards.
Household sewage treatment systems include one, two and three-family dwellings. Proper system siting and soil evaluation, design, system owner education, operation inspections and maintenance of systems are essential to help prevent future water contamination and public health nuisances.
No individual or contractor may install or alter a sewage treatment system without a permit. An alteration includes, but is not limited to, connecting to an existing sewage treatment system and replacing a septic tank.
Site Evaluation
Prior to a permit to install or alter a household sewage treatment system issuance, all buildable lots must have a site evaluation. This includes if you are building on a new lot, wish to connect to an existing sewage treatment system or replace your septic tank. This process begins with a site evaluation. Some site evaluations will require a soil evaluation by a certified soil scientist. Please refer to the instructions provided with the applications listed below. If you have any questions, please contact the Putnam County Environmental Health Division at 419-523-5608.
Site Evaluation Packet – for Sewage Permit
Site Evaluation Packet- Tank Replacement Only
Site Evaluation Packet- Connection to Existing System
Sewage Treatment System Contractors
All sewage treatment system installation and alteration (including connecting to an existing sewage treatment system) work performed on a sewage treatment system must be completed by a registered Septic Installer or Service Provider. Some routine maintenance may be performed by the homeowner such as rotating trenches and cleaning the effluent filter. All septic tanks must be pumped by a registered Septic Hauler/Pumper. Please refer to the lists below for contractors registered in Putnam County.
Putnam County Registered Septic Haulers/Pumpers
Putnam County Registered Septic System Installers
Putnam County Registered Septic System Service Providers
WPCLF Grant Funding
Is your sewage system failing? Do you need help paying for a new one? We may be able to help!
PCHD has grant money available through the Water Pollution Control Loan Funding (WPCLF) program to assist eligible homeowners in repairing or replacing a failing septic system. Eligibility is based on income.
Click here for the WPCLF application. Contact the Environmental Department at 419-523-5608 for more information.
Real Estate Information
Septic System/Water Inspection Form
Rules & Regulations
Supplemental PCHD Sewage Rules
Information for STS Contractors
ODH Sewage System Contractor Information Page