Septic Systems
Here's the problem
Over 78,000 homeowners in Snohomish County rely on septic systems. If these systems are not properly maintained, they can cause serious problems. Failing systems:
- Expose your family and pets to harmful bacteria and pathogens
- Contaminate drinking water wells
- Pollute lakes or streams with harmful bacteria and nutrients that feed algae
Protect Your Investment and Your Lake - Be LakeWise
The good news is you can make a difference by taking a few simple steps to ensure your septic system runs properly for years to come. Regular septic care is not only good for your lake but also your wallet – a little maintenance goes a long way toward preventing failures and costly repairs.
Make these LakeWise Clear Choices for septic systems:
- Attend a FREE septic system care workshop (now available on-demand)
- Have an up-to-date inspection by a licensed septic care provider*
- Commit to future inspections at the frequency required by your system type*
Being LakeWise pays off – you can also earn up to $500 in septic system care rebates by attending a free septic system care workshop.
*Find the required inspection frequency for your system type in the Snohomish Health Department's guide to Monitoring and Maintenance Frequency.
Your Septic System - Easy Steps to Keep It Running |
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Step 1. Look Up Your Septic System Type and Records
Using the Snohomish County Health Department's Online RME database, you can review your "As-Built" drawings and records to find your:
- Type of system and components
- System location on your property
- Service history and septic applications
Learn how to find your system's "As-Built" drawings by watching this video or reading these instructions. Then, download the guide(s) for your system type in the table at the bottom of this page.
Step 2. Practice Proper Septic System Care and Maintenance
The Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems provides you with everything you need to properly care for your septic system. Learn what to keep out of the drain, how to find and work with septic professionals, how often to inspect your system, landscaping options and more.
Step 3. Take the Septic Care Workshop
Visit the Snohomish County Health Department's Savvy Septic Program website to take their free, online workshop. This workshop is now available on demand so it can be taken at any time! Plus, taking the workshop makes you eligible to earn up to $500 in rebates (see Financial Incentives for Septic Care below).
Be sure to send your workshop "Certificate of Completion" to lakes@snoco.org if you are working towards having your property become LakeWise Certified.
Financial Incentives for Septic Care
The Snohomish Health Department's Savvy Septic Program is your one-stop-shop for septic system care. In addition to workshops, the program has rebates for septic system inspections, riser installation, pumping and minor repairs. Grants and low-interest financing options are also available for major repairs. You can sign up to receive a quarterly e-newsletter with great tips and info for homeowners with septic systems.
In the table below, find your system type and download the corresponding care guides.
System Type / Component | Corresponding Guide & Example Inspection Report |
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Gravity | Gravity System Guide Gravity Inspection Report |
Pump Chamber & Alarm | Pump Chamber & Alarm Guide |
Low-Pressure Distribution (LPD) | LPD System Guide LPD Inspection Reports |
Drip Dispersal | Drip System Guide Drip Inspection Report |
Mound | Mound System Guide Mound Inspection Report |
Sand Filter | Sand Filter Guide Sand Filter Inspection Report |
Sand-Lined Bed (SLB) | Sand-Lined Trench Systems Sand Filter Inspection Report |
Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) | ATU Guide ATU Inspection Report |
Proprietary System | Find and strictly follow the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual Example Proprietary Inspection Report |
Register for FREE Workshops
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Natural Lawn Care Workshops
A healthy, beautiful lawn that is safe for your family, pets and lake is just a few easy steps away. Join a professional landscaper to learn how to grow the lawn you've always wanted - naturally and with minimal time and expense.
Tuesday, September 12 from 6:30-8:00 PM
OR
Wednesday, September 13 from 6:30-8:00 PMFree via Zoom - Register Now
Septic Care Workshops
Learn how to keep your septic system running properly for years to come and how to receive up to $500 in septic system care rebates through the County's Savvy Septic Program.
Be sure to save and send us your "Certificate of Completion" if participating for LakeWise. Workshop available here!
Septic Questions
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Snohomish County Health Department
Your go-to resource for questions about septic system permitting, operation and maintenance requirements, and finding certified septic system contractors.
Contact Us
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Alex Pittman
LakeWise Site Visit Lead
Ph: 425-262-2466
Marisa BurghdoffLakeWise Project Manager
Ph: 425-388-3204
email us at lakes@snoco.org