Inspections for Sewage Treatment/Septic Systems
Please see the attached fact sheet for information about our inspections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Staff inspect mechanical household sewage treatment systems yearly and non-mechanical systems every five years. Water quality technicians determine system location, check for proper system maintenance and operation, and provide helpful information to system owners. Staff also help home buyers avoid unforeseen repair or replacement costs by offering a voluntary septic system inspection service prior to the purchase of a home.
Click here to find a STS Service Provider or Hauler
Routine Inspection Program
Hamilton County Public Health began an operational permit program of household sewage treatment systems (septic systems) in 1994. The permit program began with the inspection of aerobic treatment units and was expanded in 1996 to include all household sewage treatment systems located within the jurisdiction of the Health District (mechanical and non-mechanical).
Each year, Health District Environmental Health Specialists inspect approximately 14,000 new and existing septic systems in Hamilton County.
Sewage Treatment System Inspection Results Online
Anyone is now able to view the results of sewage treatment system (STS) inspections performed by the Health District (Hamilton County, excluding the cities of Cincinnati, Norwood, and Springdale). Please note that inspection results are updated weekly and show the most current inspection at that time of the last update.
To view the inspection results, use the map below to search for a property address. Once a property is displayed, click on the red, green, black or yellow “points” to view the information about the sewage treatment system.
View map here.
It is important to understand, that inspection information provided here shows only the conditions of the sewage treatment system at the time of the inspection. Although a single inspection can reveal a system that has passed inspection, the system’s inspection history (number of approvals and disapprovals) can give a more accurate picture of a sewage treatment systems performance over time.
DISCLAIMER: DO NOT RELY UPON THIS SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM INSPECTION REPORT AND/OR OPERATION PERMIT FOR ANY SALES OR FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS.
This inspection report is based on current sewage treatment system conditions at the time of inspection. An approved inspection report and/or operation permit does not guarantee that the sewage treatment system meets today’s water quality effluent standards, has an approved discharge location, that it will continue to operate in a satisfactory manner, or that changes to the home, structure or property will allow this system to be permitted in the future.
What systems are inspected?
All household sewage treatment systems with mechanical components (aeration) are inspected yearly; systems without mechanical components (non-mechanical) are inspected once every fifty-eight (58) months. During the inspection, staff determine system location, check for proper system maintenance and operation, and provide helpful information to system owners.
How inspections are conducted
Health District staff will either knock on your door or ring your doorbell prior to inspecting your system. If you do not respond, a green door hanger will be placed on your door. This door hanger identifies the reason for the inspection, date and time of inspection, and the name and phone number of the inspector. Staff will then proceed with inspecting your household sewage treatment system.
Identifying Hamilton County Public Health Staff
Staff typically wear polo shirts or other shirts or jackets which are marked with the Health District’s logo. In addition, all staff carry picture identification badges.
Permits
Once the inspection is finished and paper work is completed, a copy of the inspection report and invoice will be mailed to you. You will be asked to pay your fee within 30 days, at which time your permit will be issued if your system has been approved. For more information call (513) 946-7863.
Real Estate Transfer Inspections
Contacting Inspectors
Non-mechanical Household Sewage Treatment System Inspections:
- (513) 946-7864
Mechanical Household Sewage Treatment Systems (Aerobic):
- (513) 946-7869
- (513) 946-7846
- (513) 946-7965
Additional Resources
- A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems
- Additions
- Aeration Unit – Approved Motors and Timers by System
- Applications to Construct or Replace Packet
- Application for Sewage Treatment System or Gray Water Recycling System – Permit to Install or Alteration Permit
- Application for STS or GWRS Review for Property Improvement/Modification
- Fact Sheet: How Owners Can Document Sewage Treatment System Operation, Monitoring & Maintenance in Lieu of a Health District Inspection
- Find a STS Service Provider or Hauler
- Financial Aid for Sewer Connections and Septic System Replacement
- Hamilton County Policies and Standards about OAC 3701-29
- Home Sewage Treatment System (HSTS) NPDES Permits
- Ohio EPA Semi-Public Sewage Treatment System Inspection Program
- Operation and Maintenance Program Standards for STS and GWRS
- Request an Inspection
- Septic Smart Homeowners’ Resources from the EPA
- Sewer Treatment System (STS) Management Plan
- Variance Request from OAC 3701-29
- Water Quality PWS Fee Schedule
- Water Quality STS Fee Schedule