Proper maintenance of sewage treatment systems is essential for keeping groundwater, lakes and streams healthy which protects our natural resources and the health of people who get water from wells. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) regulates sewage treatment systems across the state through statutory authority established under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 3718 and Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-29 which was updated and became effective on January 1, 2015. Permitting, inspections and enforcement are conducted by the local health departments and local health departments may adopt more stringent rules and standards.

Sewage treatment systems include one, 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.