We hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and you’re getting time to relax and connect with friends and family members.
This newsletter includes updates about the proposed on-site sewage system (OSS) code revisions, an exciting opportunity to be part of Public Health’s OSS Technical Advisory Committee, guidance for securing your septic tank during a power outage, and more.
If you have friends or family members with septic systems, please forward them this newsletter and, or have them sign up here. 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.
As we announced last month, the King County Board of Health will be reviewing and voting on the proposed OSS code updates in early 2025. The next steps in this process are:
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Board of Health Briefing: The OSS Program will give a briefing to the Board of Health on January 16, 2025, 1-3pm. You can watch the meeting online at: www.kingcounty.gov/boh/livestream
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Board of Health Vote: The Board of Health will discuss and vote on the proposed changes on February 20, 2025, 1-3pm. You can watch the meeting online at: www.kingcounty.gov/boh/livestream
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Code Effective Date: The adopted codes will go into effect on April 1, 2025.
If you’re interested in more information about the code revisions, we’ve added new materials to our code revision webpage, including the proposed rule and regulation language, public comments with our responses, and a summary of the equity impact review completed for the process.
We’ll provide updates on the code changes in our January newsletter and you can get the latest information on our code revision webpage.
Many homes across western Washington lost power for several days during the recent storm in November. If your home has a septic system, it’s important that you conserve water during extended power outages. Without electricity, certain parts of septic systems can’t work. This means that sewage could back up into the house if you continue using water like normal by flushing toilets, washing dishes, and taking showers.
Here are simple steps to be water-wise during a power outage:
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Don’t let the faucet run while brushing teeth, shaving or rinsing dishes
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Don’t flush the toilet each time it’s used for liquid waste.
See more guidance for ways to protect your septic system during a power outage on our website.
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The OSS Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) brings together industry partners and impacted parties to discuss and participate in OSS problem solving and policy development.
This year, we are looking for at least 5 new members to represent the following areas of interest:
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OSS owner within King County unincorporated area
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OSS owner within Marine Recovery Area or other special area
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Nonprofit, nonpartisan public affairs or environmental affairs organization
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As we shared at our public comment meetings, Public Health’s Environmental Health Services Division will be increasing hourly rates for our services by 5.9% starting on January 1, 2025 to account for cost increases. This will impact permit fees for OSS, such as permits for septic repairs and replacements and building permits. See the updated list of fees on the Environmental Health Services fees webpage.
This change is the result of a study evaluating fees and services that the Environmental Health Services Division is required to complete every five years. The King County Board of Health voted to adopt the updated fees at the October 17, 2024 Board of Health meeting.
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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!
- October 2024: Code revision process & rebate for septic maintenance
- November 2024: Updated timeline for OSS code revisions
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