A septic system is installed to treat wastewater from a home (toilets, sinks, showers, baths, washing machines and dishwashing machines) and return it to the groundwater. In Montgomery County, there are approximately 20,000 septic systems, and the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) conducts soil testing and issue permits for septic systems. A septic system permit is required to ensure a septic system installed meets all current County and State standards relative to minimum setbacks associated with the protection of residents and the environment. These include the replacement of failing systems. Septic permits also can be required for additions or expansions to existing dwellings to ensure sufficient septic capacity or current standards are met.
“It is important for homeowners to educate themselves about their septic system and to properly maintain it to protect not only their property but the environment,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Homeowners should know where their septic system is located, what it does and how to take care of it. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your system and that’s much cheaper than replacing it. If you have questions about your system, County staff are available to assist and to provide educational materials and resources, including septic permit records. We are here to help.”
The County’s septic permit records date back to the 1950s, and most of the records are available electronically. It is also easier than ever to apply for septic permits.
“DPS recently updated its ePlans system, and homeowners can now apply for septic permits online instead of coming into the office with paper plans,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “Our Well and Septic section consists of five licensed environmental health specialists who are dedicated to helping customers with their septic systems. Our role is to ensure these systems are installed and operated properly.
Homeowners can learn more about how their septic system works by visiting the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps and using the key word “septic” in the search bar. In addition to an overview section, frequently asked questions and answers and a process guide, there is an online brochure, “A Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems,” with tips about proactive care of a septic system and how it works. The Guide is also available in Spanish.
Having a general awareness about how a septic system works will help you notice when there is a problem. To prevent a problem, the DPS guide includes a checklist with tips:
- Have your system inspected and pumped out by a licensed contractor as needed or every two to five years.
- Do not pour grease, fats or harmful chemicals, such as paint and solvents, down the drain.
- Do not flush non-water-soluble items down the toilet.
- Do not use a garbage disposal.
- Do not drive or park over your soil treatment area, and only plant grass over it.
- Always direct roof and surface drainage away from your system.
- Wastewater backs up or gurgles into household drains.
- A strong odor is smelled around the septic tank.
- Bright green spongy grass appears on the drain field.
- Sewage is on the ground or backs up into the house.
- The system gets waterlogged after heavy rains.
“Routine maintenance of private septic systems and water wells is vital to public health and to the preservation of our streams, waterways, and groundwater," said DEP Director Jon Monger. "Contamination can lead to diseases and toxins which harm animals, wildlife, and ecosystems. Montgomery County’s DEP works with septic system owners to ensure systems are properly maintained, installed and designed in order to protect our water quality and ensure that contaminants are not entering our streams, groundwater, and water supply wells."
“As a homeowner with a septic system, I know how important it is to keep up on maintenance,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Dawn Luedtke. “Taking care of your system isn’t important just for an individual homeowner, but also to make sure we’re all doing our part to protect the environment around us.”
For additional resources and tips about maintaining a septic system, go to the EPA’s “SepticSmart” website.
To report a problem or failure with a septic system, contact the DPS Well and Septic section by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
Visit the DPS website for more information about septic systems and other online services including how to apply for, and pay for, permits; schedule inspections; check the status of a permit; request records; file a property complaint; and schedule a design consultation.
DPS offices are located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor, in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Appointments are not necessary to get in-person assistance. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
