Septic & Well

Font Size: + -

Print

Septic

Carson City Health and Human Services has regulatory authority over sewage and wastewater disposal within Carson City. The regulations cover residential on-site sewage disposal systems (septic), sewage and wastewater pumping contractors, non-sewer toilet operators (portable toilets), and wastewater dump stations.

The division also responds to complaints of improper sewage releases that could expose the public to risk. Commercial septic systems do not fall under Carson City authority by state statute; contact Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Pollution Control for commercial septic permitting.

The development of properties that will be served by a septic system is required to undergo a design process to ensure that effluent discharge will not impact groundwater or create a public exposure risk.

The process begins with a test trench inspection to determine the appropriate type of septic system. When this test trench is dug, a percolation test must be performed at both 2 foot and 4 foot depth in order to calculate the length of your trenches for your septic system. These calculations will need to be submitted to Carson City Health and Human Services via the Building Department.

The design is then utilized for the building permit for review. Investigations of the system’s construction ensure the system is constructed according to plan. On properties served by a septic system, EHD reviews all property build-outs (such as additions or garages) to ensure that the existing septic is not impacted and will not pose the risk of failure.

When a septic system does fail, a similar process is used to permit the repair. Repair and septic abandonment permits should also be obtained at the Building Department before contacting an Environment Health Specialist for plan reviews and to schedule inspections.

Wells

Wells drilled within Carson City need to be applied for, designed, and constructed by a well driller that is licensed by the State Engineer. The well driller will need to apply for a permit at the Carson City Building Department and will be responsible for submission of both the intent to drill and well log to the Division of Water Resources of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

If you have any questions regarding the septic and well inspection process, please call (775) 887-2190, or email us at eh@carson.org.