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Basic Information
Septic (onsite) wastewater systems include a wide range of individual and cluster treatment systems that process household and commercial sewage. These systems are used in approximately 25 percent of all U.S. homes. An estimated 10 to 20 percent of those systems malfunction each year causing pollution problems and public health threats.
States, tribes and local governments are responsible for regulating individual septic (onsite) systems. EPA provides guidance and technical assistance to help develop and enhance septic (onsite) programs.
- EPA regulates large capacity septic systems under the Underground Injection Well program.
- EPA regulates system discharges to surface waters under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
- EPA regulates disposal of sewage sludge (biosolids) and domestic septage under 40 CFR Part 503 and 40 CFR Part 503.
- EPA develops voluntary policies and guidance for septic (onsite) wastewater management programs.
- EPA sponsors state-of-the-art research on septic (onsite) and clustered wastewater system technologies through demonstration projects.
- EPA works with state and local officials, industry professionals, and partner organizations to support septic (onsite) wastewater management.
- EPA promotes homeowner awareness to strengthen septic (onsite) wastewater management.
For more information contact EPA.