Water Quality Program
Private Water Systems (PWS) & Sewage Treatment Systems (STS)

​​Our friendly and experienced Sanitarians can help with your questions. 
​Please call us at (330) 343-5550 to schedule an appointment.
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)

There shall be no sale, transfer, or conveyance of any parcel within the Tuscarawas County Health District (TCHD) served by a Private Water System (well) and/or Sewage Treatment System (STS) until the following are met: 
  1. The buyer and seller obtain a PWS evaluation report by TCHD or files with TCHD a PWS evaluation report by a registered water system contractor;
  2. The buyer and seller obtain a HSTS evaluation report by TCHD or files with TCHD a HSTS evaluation report by a qualified registered HSTS Evaluator;
  3. and a certificate of transfer is obtained by TCHD 
 
Each PWS or STS in the TCHD shall be inspected and evaluated prior to the sale, transfer, or conveyance of any property upon which a PWS or STS is located. Transfers exempt from inspections include those transfers which are exempt from the Tuscarawas County Fiscal Office’s conveyance fee (see the Tuscarawas County Fiscal Office form DTE 100 EX for a list of exemptions;) and/or structures that have had a new or replacement PWS and/or, HSTS approved by the TCHD submitted within twenty-four (24) months preceding the date of property transfer; or had a point of sale evaluation conducted by TCHD, a registered water system contractor or within twenty-four (24) months preceding the date of property transfer.  The property owner must show proof of exemption in order for TCHD to wave a PWS and/or STS transfer evaluation.   An exemption application shall be completed and submitted to TCHD prior to closing. This exemption is available from the Tuscarawas County Auditor’s office.
 
The owner of a premise containing a PWS shall have the system evaluated by a representative of TCHD or a registered water system contractor
The owner of a premise containing a
  1. HSTS shall have the system evaluated by a representative of the Health Department or by a qualified registered HSTS Evaluator.

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

The Tuscarawas County Health District is the first place to contact if you want to install a new sewage treatment system (STS), or alter, replace or abandon your existing sewage system. TCHD  will work with you to ensure a comprehensive review of your system, property and water use to determine the best solutions for proper wastewater treatment for your home, or to determine the correct repair of a malfunctioning system. A permit to install or alter a system must be obtained from TCHD before beginning any construction or repair activities on a system.

Steps for Constructing a New Sewage Treatment System
  1. Contact your local health district for specific information on STS permitting or when beginning to plan for land development with a STS. Local health district staff will visit your site to begin the initial site evaluation process. 
  2. Obtain a site and soil evaluation. The natural soil is the most commonly used media for final treatment of sewage effluent from a home. A complete evaluation of the soil on the property is needed to determine how much usable soil (thickness) is present and where it is located. Other site conditions must also be determined such as slope, topography and the location of nearby water sources and drinking water supplies. Some local health districts provide site and soil evaluation services. These services are also available from many private companies and local health districts can provide a list of experts that provide these services.
  3. Work with a sewage treatment system designer to evaluate the different system types available for your lot. Most lots can accommodate more than one system design. 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.
  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. Once a contractor is selected and work on your system begins, try to observe as much of the construction process as possible, and even document the installation with pictures.
  5. 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 public health and prevents disease.
  6. 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 
For lot split information, please contact Tuscarawas Regional Planning 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 is 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:

Applications / Forms  
​All applications must be accompanied by payment

Installer and/or Service Provider Forms
Photo used under Creative Commons from eutrophication&hypoxia