Bill AB-885, which affects 1.2 million households, is again up for review, according to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). During a public comment period, Mendocino County residents sent hundreds of letters and more than 2,500 e-mails voicing concerns about cost and the practicality of what the bill requires.

The board promised to make significant changes to regulations that require septic tanks and private wells to be inspected every five years. If the Regional Water Board found pollution in a body of water, owners of septic tanks within 600 feet of the water would see additional requirements, including hiring an inspector to determine if the system was contributing to pollution.

Wisconsin

Proposed legislation would change the definition of plumbing to include installing systems that treat wastewater and stormwater. It also would protect the right of those with a master plumber restricted service license to install systems that collect stormwater for subsequent uses. This item is not addressed specifically in state statutes.

New Mexico

A proposed restoration plan by the New Mexico Environment Department would provide money for qualifying indigent homeowners in several counties to replace cesspools or failed disposal systems with a conventional or advanced treatment system. The plan also would pay for removal of cesspools or failed systems, and for all or some of the fees to connect to centralized wastewater collection systems.

Washington

After more than two years of work, Cowlitz County commissioners approved an ordinance that provides consistent rules for septic systems. Previously, vague rules and definitions meant one inspector might approve a system while another would deny the same design. The regulations also allow homeowners to inspect their own systems instead of hiring professionals to do it every one or three years, depending on the type of system. The county will offer classes to teach homeowners how to inspect and maintain their onsite systems. The ordinance takes effect on Jan. 1.

Massachusetts

The Nantucket Board of Health adopted onsite regulations that limit homeowners to one bedroom and 110 gallons of effluent per 10,000 square feet of lot area. The regulations, designed to stop the area’s potential buildout, will help lower the density of many lots by prohibiting homeowners from expanding existing buildings and building additional ones.