Basic Septic System Rules for Oklahoma
Many of us want to build or buy houses in the country, for a variety of reasons. Living outside of city limits allows for the opportunity to be closer to nature, the ability to grow vegetables and raise farm animals and the chance to live a simple and relaxed life in a rural setting. One thing to bear in mind is, that while living in the country has tremendous benefits, access to the conveniences that towns provide are not always available. For instance, a country home would most likely be outside the service area of the city water and sewer system – meaning the need for your own safe and reliable source of water and the need to treat household wastewater within the property. For the latter, an on-site wastewater treatment system, most commonly known as a septic system, is needed.
There are three key things to remember with septic systems: 1) they are expensive
to install, 2) they need care and maintenance and 3) there are rules that govern their
installation and maintenance. This fact sheet articulates the rules you need to know
regarding securing an installation permit, site and soil restrictions, and installation
and maintenance of septic systems. For additional details about maintenance of septic
systems and the various types of systems permitted in Oklahoma, refer to Extension
fact sheets PSS-2914, Keep Your Septic System in Working Order and PSS-2913, On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems Permitted in Oklahoma.
In Oklahoma, rules that pertain to septic systems are conveyed in Title 252 of the
Oklahoma Administrative Code Chapter 641, “Individual and Small Public On-Site Treatment
Systems.” This Code was used as reference in preparing this fact sheet. While much
of this fact sheet is written in a simplified question-and-answer format, there are
parts that are lifted almost verbatim from the Code.
Site Requirements and Restrictions
Is there a minimum home lot size requirement?
If public water (water from city or rural water district) is used, the minimum lot
size requirement for a house needing a septic system is ½ acre for most systems. If
an individual drinking water well is used, then a minimum lot size of ¾ acre is required
for most systems.
What is a “repair area” requirement?
Aside from the area allocated for septic system installation, enough area should
be designated as repair area. This is the area where dispersal lines of the septic
system will be installed in case the first system installed fails.
When buying a house, ask where the designated repair area is located. Make sure the
repair area is big enough for system installation and no permanent structures are
built on the area.
Where can the septic system be installed?
All components of the septic system, including tanks, pumps, dispersal fields and
collection line(s) need to be installed within the property of the owner of the system
and/or in a dedicated recorded easement for the installation and operation of the
septic system. Keep in mind there are separation distances from objects such as water
wells, property lines, buildings as well as other rules.
What is a ‘Water Body Protection Area’ and is the property is in it?
Water Body Protection Areas (WBPA) are those areas located within at least 1,320
feet from water bodies (e.g. rivers and lakes) designated by the State to be specially
protected from pollution. Areas in the WBPA, specifically those within 660 feet from
a listed water body or scenic river corridor require advanced systems with a nitrate-reduction
component. This means the septic system for that area will cost more. To determine
whether the property is within the WBPA, check with the local DEQ office or go to
the DEQ website. It should be noted that the requirement for a nitrate-reduction component applies
only to new houses or modification on a septic system of an existing house.
How much land area is required for the septic system?
While not stipulated as a rule, it is suggested that at least 10,000 square feet
be allocated for the septic system in the area where it will be installed. In addition,
the area should be accessible to the installer and the equipment needed in earth-working
activities related to the installation.
The actual size of the area required for the septic system will initially depend
on soil and site properties in the area. Soil properties and site location (relative
to protected water bodies) will dictate what type of septic systems may be permitted
for the site. Once the appropriate septic system is determined, the number of bedrooms
in the house is then taken into consideration to determine the actual size of the
area that must be allocated for the septic system. The same determines the size of
the designated repair area.
As a rule of thumb, the finer the soil texture in the area (more clay in the soil),
and the more bedrooms in the house, the wider the area needed for the septic system.
Required Soil Evaluation
As mentioned earlier, soil and site properties determine the type of septic system
permitted for installation, as well as size of the land area that is needed. Tests
must be performed to determine soil properties.
What soil test needs to be performed?
There are two soil tests: 1) Soil Profile Description and 2) Percolation Test. Results
of a percolation test serve as an indicator of the rate of subsurface water flow at
depths where household wastewater is normally applied. The soil profile description
mainly involves the determination of soil texture (how fine or coarse is the soil)
and soil color at 6-inch depth intervals from the surface down to 48 inches or until
a flow-restricting layer is found.
Either test could serve as basis in making septic system-related decisions. But in
sites located within the WBPA, a soil profile description is mandatory. It should
also be noted that the land area required for the septic system is generally smaller
if the test performed is a soil profile description. It is always best to start any
septic system decision-related process with a soil test. However, if the decision
has already been made to install a lagoon system or an aerobic treatment system with
spray irrigation, then a soil test is no longer required.
Who can perform soil tests?
Only State-certified soil profilers can perform soil profile descriptions. A list
of soil profilers can be found at http://www.deq.state.ok.us/eclsnew/OnSite/soilprofilers.htm.
Environment Specialists at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) can also
perform soil profile descriptions. Percolation tests can be performed by professional
engineers, licensed sanitarians, environmental specialists or soil scientists. Results
from these tests are used by installers to design the septic system that would be
submitted to the DEQ for approval. Note: There are municipalities in Oklahoma requiring
a soil test report before issuing a building permit.
Permits
What needs a permit?
All new installations of septic systems in a property, including the installation
of an additional system, need to have a permit before it can proceed. Modifications
of an existing system also need a permit. Septic system modifications may be needed
as a result of the following: a) malfunctioning septic systems, b) home renovation
leading to an increase in the number of bedrooms, c) increase in water use due to
change in use of a house or building and d) relocation of any component of a septic
system. A permit must be secured before work can start.
Where and how to get an installation or modification permit?
The DEQ is the permitting and regulatory agency for requests and issues related to
on-site septic systems. To apply for a permit, simply go online at DEQ Applications or contact your local DEQ office for assistance. Contact information and locations
of your nearest local DEQ office could be found at DEQ Local Offices. Often, the installer will process the installation or modification permit application
for you.
Inspections
Who conducts inspections and when are they necessary?
There are two cases where an inspection by a DEQ personnel is necessary. They are:
1) repairs and system modifications performed by a non-certified installer and 2)
installation of new systems by a non-certified installer. The inspection must be performed
before the installation, modification or repairs are backfilled and/or before the
system is placed into operation.
It should be noted that if the installation, modification or repair is performed
by a state-certified installer, there is no need for a DEQ personnel to perform an
inspection because certified installers are allowed to perform self-inspection.
Who is responsible for arranging a DEQ inspection?
The installer shall be responsible for requesting any required DEQ inspection related
to an installation, modification or repair. Inspections related to complaints will
be managed by the DEQ personnel.
Installation
Who can install a septic system?
It is recommended that you utilize the services of a state-certified septic system
installer. A list of state-certified installers can be found at http://www.deq.state.ok.us/ECLSNew/CertInstallers/certInstallers.htm or from the local DEQ office.
The State of Oklahoma allows non-certified installers to install a limited number
of systems. However, these installations must be inspected and approved by DEQ personnel
before they are backfilled and/or made operational.
Are new installations covered by a mandatory warranty/maintenance period?
Installers are free to offer their own version of a warranty/maintenance package
to their clients for a fee. However, if the system installed is an aerobic treatment
system/unit (ATU), Oklahoma rules require a two-year warranty. This rule mandates
the installer of an ATU to maintain the system at no additional cost to the homeowner
for two years following the date of installation. Within this period, the installer
is required to inform the owner of the operational status and any repairs or replacements
performed with the system.
If you buy a house and the ATU in the house is still within the warranty period,
you are eligible for the warranty until the two-year period expires.
Responsibilities of the Owner
Properly working septic systems will treat harmful pollutants in household water. Improperly-functioning systems pose as hazards to the owners, their neighbors and the environment.
The rule clearly stipulates that the owner of a system shall ensure that the system
is maintained and operated properly so that: 1) sewage or effluent from the system
is properly treated and does not surface, pool, flow across the ground or worse, discharge
to surface waters, 2) all components of the system including lagoons are maintained
and do not leak or overflow and 3) the required security measures are intact (e.g.
required fences are intact, septic tank lids are intact and properly secured).
The rules also state that if a septic system malfunctions, the person owning or otherwise
responsible for the system needs to take prompt action to repair the malfunctioning
system, prevent further violations and remediate the site. Violations and negligence
are subject to enforcement actions and possible penalties.
Sergio M. Abit Jr., PhD
State Specialist for On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems
Emily Hollarn
Environmental Specialist
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality