Onsite Wastewater Information (Septic Systems)
Septic System Permit Information
General Information for Septic System Owners
Septic systems treat and dispose of wastewater from residential, commercial or industrial facilities in primarily rural areas that are not served by community sewers. California law requires that the Water Board regulate discharges (including those from septic systems) to ensure long-term water quality protection. The following information is designed to help you understand the Water Board’s regulations pertaining to septic systems and management of those systems. Onsite wastewater systems refer to septic systems as well as other alternative types of onsite treatment (that are not septic). For more information visit the State Water Board's Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS Policy) page.
Implementation of the State OWTS Policy
On June 19, 2012, the State Water Board adopted the Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS Policy).
Applicable statewide, the OWTS Policy designates regional boards with the principal responsibility for overseeing its implementation and calls for incorporation of the OWTS Policy requirements into regional boards' basin plans. Implementation of the OWTS Policy provides more effective and efficient requlation of onsite systems.
