The Ohio House of Representatives passed legislation to update the state’s septic law, multiple media outlets reported. House Bill 692 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration. State Reps. Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) and Marilyn John (R-Richland County) sponsored the bill, seeking to create consistent regulations statewide and reduce regulatory requirements.
House Bill 692:
- Eliminates initial and annual septic inspections, unless there is probable cause for an inspection
- Allows the installation of systems on sloped terrain if the systems are designed to leach downhill
- Doesn’t require new design permits or approvals when a new system isn’t substantially different than the one its replacing
- Removes the requirement for installation only in undisturbed areas, as long as the soil meets functional requirements
Rep. John said the legislation modernizes Ohio’s septic regulations while preserving public health protections: “By streamlining processes, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, and improving efficiency, this legislation better serves homeowners, contractors, and local health districts alike.”
Current regulations contribute to the state’s housing shortage and act as a barrier to home ownership, Rep. Pizzulli said. “House Bill 692 streamlines the process and helps families build, not just homes, but futures.”
Montana groups fund septic pumping program for Seeley Lake
The Clearwater Resource Council is offering Seeley Lake, Montana, residents up to $450 for septic system pumpouts, the Seely Swan Pathfinder reported. The council launched a new program which provides half ($225) or full reimbursement ($450) to eligible residents. Eligibility is based on the age and location of the septic system and the date of the last pumpout.
The Western Montana Conservation Commission is funding this program, with support from the Clearwater Resource Council and Seeley Lake Community Foundation.
Minnesota county offers grants, loans for onsite system replacement
Mower County, Minnesota, is offering grants and low-interest loans to property owners to replace noncompliant septic systems, multiple media outlets reported. Low-income residents may be eligible for grants up to $7,500. In addition to these grants for low-income residents, Mower County offers 10-year loans at 3% interest.
A total of 565 septic systems have been installed since the county launched its financial assistance program in 2020.
Iowa county’s new ordinance requires safety devices on tank lids
The Bremer County Board of Supervisors in Iowa is preparing to adopt a new septic safety ordinance, Waverly Newspapers reported. The proposed ordinance would require the installation of safety devices on certain plastic septic tank lids. The devices would cost homeowners less than $100. The County Board proposed the ordinance in response to the accidental death of a child who fell into a septic tank. A second reading of the ordinance was scheduled for June 23.
Bay Restoration Fund provides $15 million for septic upgrades in Maryland
The Bay Restoration Fund has given $15 million earmarked for septic upgrades to the Maryland Department of Environment, multiple news outlets reported. The grants will help homes and businesses upgrade or replace failing septic systems in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal bays. Since 2004, the septic fund has disbursed $272 million. The funding assisted with 17,000 upgrades, including 10,500 near Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Coast.
Butte County seeks feedback on proposed septic regulations
Butte County Public Health, California, is seeking feedback on proposed septic system regulations, Action News Now reported. The survey, open until Aug. 21, can be accessed on the Butte County website. The department also is collecting feedback on water wells in a separate survey. Water and wastewater professionals, property owners, and permit applicants are encouraged to complete the surveys.
Jefferson County updates onsite septic regulations
New septic system regulations took effect June 15 in Jefferson County, Colorado. In a news release, Jefferson County Colorado Public Health reported that the new regulations align with recent changes to state law.
The Jefferson County changes include:
- Residents are required to replace wood, cinderblock and metal septic tanks.
- Companies providing septic services must be licensed by Jefferson County.
- Full-time residents may use holding tanks if residents have the proper permit.
- Requirements for new septic systems will be based on treatment needs and property size.
- Before a property is sold or transferred, the property owner may be required to upgrade the septic system.
- For septic repairs, the county may reduce property line setback requirements.
Colorado counties change cesspool inspection requirements
Homeowners in Green Mountain Falls and El Paso County, Colorado, will no longer be required to have their cesspools inspected when they sell their homes, the Pikes Peak Courier reported. The change took effect on July 11.
In neighboring Teller County, the Teller County Public Health & Environment commissioners did the opposite. Commissioners initiated a cesspool inspection requirement for Transfer of Title inspections.
Hawaii allocates funds for conversion of cesspools
Hawaiian lawmakers allocated $2 million in Green Fee funds to support the conversion of cesspools into compliant septic systems, Hawaii Public Radio reported. Honolulu City and County contributed $625,000.
The financial assistance program is scheduled to start at the end of 2026. The program will offer grants or low-interest loans to residents to convert cesspools to septic systems.
Hawaiian officials are offering financial assistance to motivate residents in advance of the state’s 2050 deadline to eliminate cesspools statewide. Currently, about 400 cesspools are converted each year. At this rate, it would take 200 years to convert the current 80,000 cesspools.
Jamestown offering low-interest loans for septic system replacement
The town of Jamestown in Rhode Island is partnering with a local financial institution to offer low-interest loans to repair or replace septic systems, the Jamestown Press reported. The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank will provide low-interest loans of up to $40,000 for homeowners to complete septic upgrades.
In June, the bank approved $500,000 for the Community Septic System Loan Program. Eligibility is not restricted to owner-occupied homes nor based on household income.
Nantucket adopts new septic regulations for environmentally sensitive areas
The Town of Nantucket’s (Massachusetts) Board of Health adopted new septic system regulations for two environmentally sensitive areas: the Hummock Pond watershed and wellhead protection districts, The Inquirer and Mirror reported. To comply with the new regulations, homeowners must replace a traditional septic system with an I/A system if the septic system fails or if homeowners transfer the property or add more living space. Property owners can request a variance for specific reasons, including financial hardship.
Knox County allocates funds for septic upgrades
Homeowners in Knox County, Ohio, may be eligible for financial assistance to repair or replace failing septic systems, the Knox Pages reported. Ohio’s Water Pollution Control Loan Fund allocated $175,000 to Knox County Public Health for septic upgrades. Homeowners may qualify for partial or full coverage, based on household income.
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