Sewage

On-Site Sewage System

The process for installing a new on-site sewage system, modifying an existing on-site sewage system or repairing a failing on-site sewage system starts with choosing a certified installer. 

A certified installer will perform a percolation test and evaluate the site to see if it is suitable for an on-site sewage system or modification, or evaluate a failing system to see what repairs can be made. The certified installer will then make recommendations to the home owner/property owner for what type of system or repair should be installed. The homeowner/property owner and/or certified installer will fill out an on-site sewage system application and submit it to the health department. 

Once an application is received, a sanitarian will contact the certified installer to schedule a visit to the site of the proposed new system, modification or repair. The sanitarian will evaluate the site to determine if the new system, modification or repair that the certified installer has proposed is possible and/or discuss any changes or corrections that could be done to make the new system, modification or repair possible. 

Once the sanitarian has approved the site, a construction permit for the new system, modification or repair will be issued by the health department. The certified installer may begin construction/repair of the system at that time. If the certified installer encounters any issues during construction/repair that would require modification of the plan that was approved by the health department, they must contact the health department before continuing with construction/repair. 

When construction/repair of the system is finished, but before the system is covered up, the certified installer must contact the health department for a final inspection. The sanitarian will evaluate the completed system to make sure that it was installed correctly and in accordance with the approved construction plan. 

• Application to install or Modify a Sewage System 
• Subdivision Application 
• Sewage System Affidavit 
• Installer Certification Renewal Application 
• 64 CSR 9 Sewage System Rules 
• 64 CSR 47 Sewage System Design Standard 

Home Loan Evaluation

Many banks and other lending institutions now require that a home with an on-site sewage system and/or water well be evaluated to ensure that the sewage system is working correctly and/or that the water supply is safe before they will approve a mortgage or other financing for a home sale. The process starts with the lender or current homeowner filling out an application for a home loan evaluation. 

Note: The home must have been occupied for the last 30 consecutive days and the septic tank must not have been pumped out within the last 30 days in order for a sanitarian to do a home loan evaluation. 

When an application is received, a sanitarian will contact the applicant to schedule the home loan evaluation. The sanitarian will take a water sample, which will be tested to make sure that there are no coliform bacteria in the water supply. The sanitarian will also place dye tablets in the drains for sinks, toilets, tub/showers, and the washing machine.  This is done so that if any sewage is coming to the surface of the ground, which indicates a sewage system failure, it will be easy to see. The sanitarian will make a follow-up visit two days after placing the dye tablets to see if there is any dye on the ground surface. After the sanitarian has confirmed that the sewage system is working correctly, the septic tank will need to be pumped out if this has not been done within the last three years. 

Click here to download a Home Loan Evaluation Request Form 

Septic Tank Testing 

Sanitarians inspect individual water supply systems and on-site sewage disposal systems to evaluate the systems for compliance with applicable laws and sanitary standards. The seller, the buyer, or the lender may make requests for evaluation by contacting Environmental Health at (304) 523-6483, extension 262. Additionally, Form SG-55 must be completed and returned to the Cabell-Huntington Health Department prior to an inspection of the property. There is no fee for services in Cabell County, however, the Office of Laboratory Services charges $15 per water sample for bacteriological analysis and a $5 handling fee. 

Water Wells 

Residents of West Virginia who want to have a well drilled, or who wish to modify or abandon an existing well, must apply and obtain a permit from their Local Health Department prior to drilling, modifying, or abandoning the well. The application for the permit can be found here. 

Individual water wells must be drilled by licensed well drillers.  You can search the List of Approved Well Drillers and Pump Installers on the Environmental Engineering Division’s web site.  Persons wishing to drill wells in West Virginia should view the Environmental Engineering Division’s Training & Certification site for information on the requirements for certification.