SUMMIT COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
Summit County Public Health (SCPH) is continuing to implement new statewide sewage rules which went into effect on January 1, 2015. The new rules will likely impact most of the 33,000 homes in Summit County with septic systems often referred to as home sewage treatment systems (HSTS).
The new rules require every home with a HSTS to have an operation permit. One requirement of the operation permit is that every HSTS has routine maintenance to assure optimal system function. SCPH began phasing in the operation permit requirement last year with the goal to have every HSTS in Summit County in the program by 2018. Operation permit notices will be mailed by mid-March for HSTS scheduled to phase into the program this year.
Although this is a change for homeowners with a HSTS, the implementation of these new rules will have a significant and lasting impact on the environmental health and the safety of our community and beyond. The practice and verification of routine maintenance for septic systems will improve surface water quality which has a direct impact on the quality of our rivers, lakes and streams. In addition, these changes will provide added protection of ground water which is the source of drinking water for many residents. As always, public health and safety are the guiding principles for the implementation of this program.
To learn more about our water quality programs or for information about how to maintain your home sewage treatment system, please visit our website at www.scphoh.org or call (330) 926-5600.