Water Quality Program
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Private Water Systems (PWS) & Sewage Treatment Systems (STS)
Nearly one-fifth of American households depend on septic systems to treat their wastewater and failure to maintain a septic system can lead to backups, malfunctions, and early failures that can result in costly repairs.

Point of Sale Program ​(Private Water System and/or Sewage Treatment Systems)

No parcel within the Tuscarawas County Health District (TCHD) that is served by a Private Water System (well) and/or Sewage Treatment System (STS) can be sold, transferred, or conveyed until the following conditions are satisfied:
The buyer and seller must obtain a PWS evaluation report from TCHD or submit a PWS evaluation report from a registered water system contractor to TCHD;
The buyer and seller must obtain a HSTS evaluation report from TCHD or submit a HSTS evaluation report from a qualified registered HSTS Evaluator to TCHD;
Additionally, a certificate of transfer must be acquired from TCHD.

Before any sale, transfer, or conveyance of property with a PWS or STS can occur, each system in the TCHD must be inspected and evaluated. Certain transfers are exempt from inspections, including those that qualify for an exemption from the Tuscarawas County Fiscal Office’s conveyance fee (refer to the Tuscarawas County Fiscal Office form DTE 100 EX for details on exemptions) and/or properties that have had a new or replacement PWS and/or HSTS approved by TCHD within the last twenty-four (24) months prior to the property transfer, or those that have undergone a point of sale evaluation by TCHD or a registered water system contractor within the same timeframe.

Property owners must provide proof of exemption for TCHD to waive the PWS and/or STS transfer evaluation. An exemption application must be completed and submitted to TCHD before closing, and this exemption can be obtained from the Tuscarawas County Auditor’s office. Owners of premises with a PWS are required to have their system evaluated by a TCHD representative or a registered water system contractor.

​Similarly, owners of premises with an HSTS must have their system evaluated by a representative of the Health Department or a qualified registered HSTS Evaluator.

New Installation, Alteration, Repair or Replacement of a Sewage Treatment System

*The As-built form is not a requirement for use, however, the information requested therein is a requirement for each as-built submitted. This is effective beginning January 01, 2023.
If you're looking to install a new sewage treatment system (STS) or make changes to your current sewage system, the Tuscarawas County Health District is your go-to resource. They will collaborate with you to thoroughly assess your property, the proposed system, and water usage to find the most effective solutions for managing wastewater in your home--or to identify the right repairs for any issues with your existing system. You must obtain a permit from TCHD before starting any construction or repair work on your sewage system.

Think of your septic system as one of the most important utilities for your home. Proper construction, operation, and maintenance can provide you with a system that can last for decades to come. Let us help you get there!

Steps for Constructing a New Sewage Treatment System (STS)
1. Obtain a soil evaluation through a certified soil scientist. The natural soil is the most common media for final treatment of your home’s wastewater and will determine the types of systems that are eligible for your property. A complete evaluation of the property’s soil is needed to determine how much usable soil (thickness) is present and the conditions identified within it. Other site conditions must also be determined, such as slope, topography, and the location of nearby water sources—including your drinking source—all of which are factors that can impact the size and location of your system.   
2. Work with a septic designer to evaluate the different system types available for your lot. Most lots can accommodate more than one system type, but will primarily be dependent on the factors outlined in the previous step. Homeowners should carefully evaluate all system costs including installation, long-term operation and maintenance requirements, and service contract costs before making a final system decision. Please refer to the list of STS types on the page below.
3. Once the plans are finalized, they are ready to be submitted to TCHD to begin the review. TCHD will visit the site, review the plans, and ensure the proposed system complies with the Ohio Administrative Code requirements for Household Sewage Treatment Systems. If the site, soil, and plans are acceptable, TCHD will approve the plans. 
*It is important for property owners to keep the proposed septic area—specifically the soil absorption component (leach field, mound, etc.)—protected from disturbance, compaction, and smearing—especially when a property is being excavated or developed. Remember, the soil is the MOST important component for absorbing and treating your wastewater, and any destruction to that can lead to potential issues. Contact your local health district right away if these types of concerns arise.  
4. Obtain quotes and bids from registered STS contractors. Local health districts can provide a list of locally registered STS contractors. Some local health districts require bonding of contractors. Always obtain a written contract and fully discuss all steps of the construction process and services the contractor will provide.
5. Once a registered contractor is selected, a permit application to install must be issued by TCHD before work can begin on your system, according to the approved plans. Try to observe as much of the construction process as possible and even document the installation with pictures.
6. The local health district will perform a final inspection of your system and approve or disapprove the installation. If installations problems occur, work with the system contractor and your local health district to resolve installation issues. Your local health district’s role is to ensure proper system installation that protects your investment in your STS and the health of the public.
7. Proper operation and maintenance of your new STS is essential to ensure the system works, does not create odors or other nuisance conditions, and prevents exposure to sewage effluent. Depending on the complexity of your system, a service contract may be required. Proper operation and maintenance of your system protects the investment you have made in your property and your system.
Lot Splits 
Lot splits under five (5) acres require septic (STS) approval from the Tuscarawas County Health Department if sanitary sewer is not available.
For lot split information, please contact The Tuscarawas County Regional Planning Commission at (330) 365-3246. 

Private Water Systems

Private waters systems are regulated by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and administered by both ODH and the Local Health Districts under Sections 3701.344 to 3701.347 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Chapter 3701-28 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).
Attention Sewage Treatment System Contractors:
There is now an online version of the statewide sewage rules test. 
There is NO fee required for the online version of the sewage rules test.
Upon completion and attainment of a passing grade, the STS contractor will need to print and keep a copy of the certificate to show as proof of compliance for completing the testing requirement to the health department when they register.

An electronic copy of the STS rules and the exam can be accessed at the following link:
Access to online continuing education for installers and service providers can be found at the following link: