The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) regulates sewage treatment systems across the state by statutory authority established under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 3718 and Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-29, which became effective on Jan. 1, 2015. Permitting, inspections and enforcement are conducted by the local health districts who may also adopt more stringent rules and standards.

Sewage treatment systems include one, two and three-family dwellings and small flow on-site sewage treatment systems (facilities that treat up to 1,000 gallons per day).  Proper system siting and design, soils evaluation, system owner education and operation inspections and maintenance of systems are essential to help prevent future contamination and public health nuisances.

Program Activities

The ODH Sewage Treatment Systems program provides technical assistance and training to local health districts, industry and the public on all aspects of sewage treatment systems.

The program promotes collaborative efforts with state agencies, academic institutions, watershed groups, professional industry and public health organizations to further recognition of sewage treatment system issues, decentralized wastewater infrastructure, protection of public health and water resources and management practices.

The program works with stakeholders to develop administratively rules for the siting, permitting, installation, alteration, operation and abandonment of sewage treatment systems.

The program provides technical review, coordination and support for the Sewage Treatment System Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to review and approve components and systems whose function differs in design or application from those authorized in rule.  The TAC is a process for reviewing and approving or disapproving new technology sewage treatment systems for Ohio.

Program staff participates as the director of Health's representation on the TAC and advises the director on the approval or disapproval of sewage treatment system products and components.

Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Ohio Department of Health
BEHRP/Sewage Treatment Systems Program
246 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Phone:  614-644-7551
Email:  Sewage@odh.ohio.gov