Septic & Wastewater

Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. households depend on an individual on-site sewage system or a small community cluster system to treat their wastewater. If properly built and maintained, decentralized wastewater treatment systems have many benefits, including:

• Allowing for development in outlying communities and properties
• Protecting groundwater, lakes, and the Puget Sound from contamination
• Reducing exposure to untreated sewage

Snohomish County Septic System Services

The Snohomish Health District works to ensure that septic systems are not only located and installed correctly but also kept in good working condition by providing the following services:

• As-built and other records for existing systems
• Certification of septic pumpers and installers within Snohomish County
• Complaint investigations and enforcement
• Review and permitting of proposed on-site sewage disposal systems
• Technical assistance to the general public

How Do I Report a Septic System Problem?

The Snohomish Health District investigates complaints and problems with septic systems in the county. Issues can be reported online or mailed to:
Environmental Health Division
Water and Wastewater Program
3020 Rucker Avenue
Suite 104
Everett, WA 98201-3900

Your complaint will remain anonymous, and you will receive a reply regarding the situation after the initial investigation is completed.

Guidelines for Cleaning Indoor Sewage Spills

Snohomish County's Savvy Septic Program

Snohomish County's Savvy Septic Program is a one-stop-shop for financing options, incentives, and education to help you maintain a healthy septic system.

The Savvy Septic Program offers:

• Low-Interest loans for septic system repair and replacement
• Rebates for septic system inspection and riser installation
• Grants for qualifying low income homeowners for system maintenance and repairs
• Free maintenance workshops to help residents better understand system care

Visit the Savvy Septic website to learn more about loans, grants, rebates, and workshops.