Happy October from the King County On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program! We hope you and your loved ones are having a wonderful fall.
Thank you all for your engagement throughout the code revision process! More than 200 community members joined our public comment meetings over the last several weeks to learn about the code updates and provide feedback on the changes.
In this newsletter, we’ll share updates on what is next for the code revisions and what that means for community members. We’ll also share more information about the OSS maintenance rebate available for people with incomes under 80% of the area median income.
If you have friends or family members with septic systems, please forward them this newsletter! We're working to get interested community members to join our newsletter, and we'd love your help spreading the word.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or comments.
Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con nosotros a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico mejackson@kingcounty.gov o llame al 206.263.0547.
We've reached the next phase of our code revision process. Last month, we released draft proposed changes to the King County OSS codes. We held six public comment meetings – five in person around King County and one virtually – with more than 200 people in attendance total to get feedback on the proposed changes. We’ve also heard from people through our public comment survey.
We’re now in the process of reviewing all the feedback we’ve received from community members, industry professionals, and others during the public comment period. Next up, we will finalize the language and submit it to the King County Board of Health, who will make it available on its website. The Board of Health plans to vote on the proposed code revisions in November.
Stay tuned for more information in our November newsletter and on our website about next steps.
King County is offering a septic system rebate up to $500 to maintain your septic system for eligible property owners. You are eligible if your household income is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (see the table below to learn if you qualify). The rebate covers septic inspections, pumping, and riser installations.
Why is septic maintenance important?
Many reasons! Maintenance helps make sure the system is working properly to protect your family’s health and the environment. For more information, see our quick facts on septic inspections, pumping, and risers:
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Inspections help to check that all septic components are working the right way. A certified maintainer can fix small problems to prevent bigger issues and can also fix lids to make sure that no one falls into your septic tank. These inspections should be done every 1-3 years, depending on the system type. Check your septic system type on our Septic System Map.
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Pumping should be done every 3-5 years to make sure the septic tank is emptied regularly. However, you shouldn’t get your tank pumped too often. Make sure to consult with your pumper or maintainer to understand what the best pumping frequency is for your septic system.
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Risers: Installing a riser can make future inspections and pumping much easier.
Who is eligible for the rebate?
We’re working to make septic system maintenance easier for property owners. If you own a septic system in King County and your household income is at or lower than 80% of the Area Median Income of King County (see table below), you are eligible for the rebate.
Visit www.kingcounty.gov/picrebates to learn more and apply for the septic system maintenance rebate!
If your household income is at or below the Area Median Family Income for your household size and you own a septic system in King County, you are eligible for the rebate.
Key steps in the code revision process (Note: the timing for this process is dynamic, and subject to change):
You can read previous OSS Code Revision newsletters by using the links below:
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January 2024: Newsletter introduction, OSS 101, and what to know about the OSS code revision process.
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February 2024: Lifecycle of an OSS, and local OSS codes
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March 2024: Summary of changes to state OSS codes
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April 2024: Process for updating local OSS codes
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May 2024: Public input opportunities, and details about the land use & development code topic area.
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June 2024: Upcoming public meetings, details about the design specifications and repairs & remodeling code topic areas, and financial assistance information.
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July 2024: in-person public meeting opportunities and details about the certifications & oversight and operations & maintenance code topic areas.
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August 2024: Last chance to take our survey and come to a meeting!
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September 2024: Draft language for code changes – share your feedback!
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