Septic, Well, and Rural Utilities

An as-built is a final map showing where septic and well components were actually installed.

Effluent is the liquid wastewater that leaves the septic tank and goes to the drain field.

An engineered septic system is a septic design that uses special components or layouts to work on difficult sites.

A mound system is a type of septic drain field built above natural grade using sand and special layering.

A perc test measures how well soil absorbs water, which helps decide if a septic drain field can work.

A repair area is a reserved area of land set aside for a future replacement drain field if the first one fails.

A septic alarm warns you when a pump tank level is too high or when a pump system is not operating correctly.

A septic drain field is the area where effluent is distributed into soil so the soil can filter and absorb it.

A septic tank is the buried tank that holds wastewater long enough for solids to settle and for scum to float.

A setback is a required distance you must keep between septic or wells and things like property lines, buildings, and water sources.

A well is a drilled hole that provides water from underground.

A well pump moves water from the well up into the home.

Well yield is how much water the well can produce over time.

A will-serve letter is a written commitment from a utility provider confirming they can deliver service to a specific address or building lot.