Happy 2025 from the King County On-site Sewage System Program team!
This newsletter includes updates about the proposed on-site sewage system (OSS) code revisions, safety tips to secure septic tank lids, and background on septic to sewer conversion work happening in King County urban areas.
If you have friends or family members with septic systems, please forward them this newsletter or they can sign up on our website. 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.
Sincerely,
Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con nosotros a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico lynn.schneider@kingcounty.gov o llame al 206.477.2124.
Last week, the OSS Program gave a briefing to the Board of Health about the proposed code revisions. We discussed the process for developing the proposed revisions (including getting feedback from you!) and the intended goals of reducing costs, minimizing barriers, improving oversight of the OSS industry, and incorporating the latest understanding of wastewater technology.
The next steps in the process are:
-
Board of Health Vote: The Board of Health will discuss and vote on the proposed changes on February 20, 2025, 1-3 PM. You can watch the meeting online at: www.kingcounty.gov/boh/livestream.
-
Code Effective Date: If the Board of Health approves the proposed changes, the adopted codes will go into effect on April 1, 2025.
We’ll provide updates on the Board of Health vote in our February newsletter, and you can get the latest information on our code revision webpage.
If you live in an area where many homes have septic systems, you may have heard about people connecting to the sewer system if their septic fails. In King County, homes with septic systems in urban areas are required to connect to the sewer if each of the following three conditions are met:
-
The OSS fails and
-
The replacement or repair design doesn’t meet requirements and
- The sewer utility allows connections.
We’ve heard from many concerned residents about the cost of connecting to sewer – it can be prohibitively expensive. The OSS Program is developing a robust waiver and appeal process where property owners can explain their situations and how their OSS will still protect people’s health and the environment.
So, why are septic to sewer conversions in urban areas even needed? There’s a couple of short and long-term reasons. Typically, an urban property lacks the space for a replacement drainfield after an OSS fails. OSS also need to be replaced, on average, every 30 years, while a sewer connection is a much more permanent solution. Lastly, sewer connections allow for high density housing that is critical in urban King County to create more housing for community members.
Unsecured septic tank lids are a major safety risk – particularly to young children. People can accidentally fall into tanks, resulting in serious injury and even death.
Making sure that your septic tank lid is secure is a simple safety practice that can prevent these accidents.
Take the below precautions to secure your septic tank lids:
- Know where your septic system lids or covers are located. (You can check on our septic map).
-
Routinely inspect the condition of the lids for cracks or signs of problems.
-
Keep the lids secure by repairing or replacing all damaged or missing parts.
-
Use bolts, screws, or other locks to secure the lids and prevent easy access.
-
Never drive or park vehicles on top of septic systems – it can damage or dislodge the cover.
-
Never leave an open lid unattended when having your septic system inspected or pumped. Make sure the lids are secured after working on your septic system.
|
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:
-
January 2024: Newsletter introduction, OSS 101, and what to know about the OSS code revision process.
-
February 2024: Lifecycle of an OSS, and local OSS codes
-
March 2024: Summary of changes to state OSS codes
-
April 2024: Process for updating local OSS codes
-
May 2024: Public input opportunities, and details about the land use & development code topic area.
-
June 2024: Upcoming public meetings, details about the design specifications and repairs & remodeling code topic areas, and financial assistance information.
-
July 2024: in-person public meeting opportunities and details about the certifications & oversight and operations & maintenance code topic areas.
-
August 2024: Last chance to take our survey and come to a meeting!
-
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
- December 2024: Power outage guidance, next steps for code updates, OSS fees
|