Septic systems treat sewage on the property where it is generated. Over 20,000 septic systems in Skagit County clean and recycle sewage contaminated water into clean groundwater every day in Skagit County. On-site sewage treatment can work as well or better than large wastewater treatment plants with proper design, installation, and maintenance.
Your septic system is a valuable investment. Just like your home or car, your septic system needs regular attention and maintenance to function for many years to come. Regular maintenance starts with inspections! Inspections can help identify and repair small problems before they become large issues that can cause illness, pollute water, and compound into larger more expensive repairs or a system failure. Timely inspections and active management of your septic system can keep it operational for much longer than with system abuse or neglect.
How often does my system need to be inspected?
Your septic system is required to be inspected at least every year by a qualified inspector OR at least every three years for simple gravity systems, by Washington State Code (WAC 246-272A-0270), in order to assure that your system is functioning.
How will the County know my system has been inspected?
Inspectors complete an inspection form, upload that information to a database, and the information is provided to the Health Department. Basic information from the inspection is available on line through the county's records search webpage: Septic Search
My septic tank was pumped. Is that an inspection?
No. Your septic inspection should always determine if you need to pump. A general recommendation is to pump when your septic tank is 1/3 full of solid materials. Don’t waste money by pumping unnecessarily!
If my system has a special treatment system are there special requirements?
Yes, these systems require ANNUAL inspections. They require a maintenance contract with a certified Operations & Maintenance Specialist. This information must be recorded on your property title so that future property owners become aware of this contract (Sample Title Notice).
What if my septic system fails the inspection?
Your inspection may show that the system needs maintenance, repair, or that the tank is due to be pumped. Sometimes a simple repair can fix a small problem now that might turn into a large (expensive!) problem later. The inspection may also show that your system is failing. In the case of a failure, you need to take action to prevent pollution and comply with code. You will need to contact a septic system designer or installer to repair or replace the failing system which requires a permit.
[Current designer/installer lists]
Is there financial assistance for repairs to failing septic systems?
If you have a septic system failure (drainfield, septic tank, or other components) you may qualify for a low interest loan. Learn more and apply at www.Craft3.org/CleanWater
I’m selling a/my house, do I need an inspection?
Skagit County requires septic system inspections before property sales and real estate transfers. The seller has the responsibility to have an inspection completed; the buyer has the right to see a completed inspection report before closing. For more resources see Information for real estate professionals: Facts and FAQs
Skagit County Public Health Department offers free classes for homeowners to learn how septic systems work to clean wastewater and how to help your system function well without polluting. Septics 101 is a 40-minute online course and Septics 201 is 60-minutes of reading various webpages and watching two short videos to learn how to inspect your own gravity septic system. You must take the online Septics 101 in order to register for Septics 201. Learn more at our Septics Education Page
On-site permit application process
If you plan to install a new septic system or repair an existing system you need a permit. Permits are issued by Skagit County Public Health Department through Civic Access
Greywater
Current septic system regulations require greywater to be treated just like it is sewage, even when it comes from a trailer or camper. Greywater can carry bacteria, viruses, pathogenic organisms and chemicals depending on what’s connected to the greywater pipe.
Marine Recovery Area is defined in law as an area where additional requirements for existing on-site sewage disposal systems may be necessary to reduce potential failing systems or minimize negative impacts on water quality. Environmental Public Health is focusing on all Marine Recovery Areas (MRA) to make sure on-site sewage systems are not contributing to pollution in Puget Sound.
On September 16, 2008 the Skagit County Board of Commissioners signed Ordinance #020080011 Sensitive Areas as outlined in the Skagit County On-Site Sewage Management Plan. This was further revised in May 2012, adding the Upper NE Samish and Willard Creek MRAs so all on-site sewage systems in the Samish Watershed are included.
The Clean Samish Initiative is a multi-agency effort focused on the Samish Basin dealing with multiple potential sources of pollution, including septic systems. You can learn more about pollution prevention at poopsmart.org
All residents of Skagit County whose homes or businesses are served by a septic system require annual inspections, unless the system is conventional gravity (three-year inspection requirement), per Skagit County Code (SCC) 12.05.160 and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-272A-270.
Rebates for Qualified Residents
Skagit County Public Health is offering up to $500 rebates for septic system inspection, pumping, riser installation, lid replacement, or minor repairs to qualifying residents (one per household).
Category
Risers & Lids
Inspection
Pumping
Minor Repair*
Individual Rebate Amount (up to)
$200 (total for new install)
$50 (each replacement lid; up to 4)
$100
$100
$200
* See the Finance Assistance section below or WAC 246-272A-0010 (effective April 1, 2025) for qualifying minor repairs.
A minor repair is a repair or replacement of any of the following existing damaged or malfunctioning OSS components except that the repair or replacement of a sewage tank, treatment component, or soil dispersal component is not considered a minor repair:
Control panels;
Building sewers;
Any other portions of tightline in the OSS;
Risers and riser lids;
Sewage tank baffles;
Effluent filters;
Sewage tank pumps and lids;
Pump control floats; and
OSS inspection boxes and ports
The rebates are available to qualified residents for work performed from February 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026, or when the grant funding runs out, whichever comes first. To be eligible for septic system rebates, you must meet the following requirements:
Own a residence in Skagit County (commercial properties are not eligible).
Pay for the services. Keep your receipt or paid invoice.
Complete an application (online or fillable pdf) and submit the supporting documentation.
Vouchers for Low-Income Residents
Skagit County Public Health is offering assistance for septic system inspection to qualifying low-income residents. A grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows public health to implement a program for residents who need a septic system inspection, pumping, or minor repair AND demonstrate financial need (such as on a fixed income and eligible for property tax exemption) to ease the financial burden of meeting the state inspection requirement and protecting public health. Please contact us at septic@co.skagit.wa.us or (360) 416-1500 for eligibility requirements.
Clean Water Loans and Grants to Finance Septic Repairs
Craft3, a nonprofit lender, offers Clean Water Loans to allow homeowners to borrow the entire cost of eligible design, permitting, and installation. Lower interest rates may be available for qualified lower-income borrowers, and there are no up-front loan fees or pre-payment penalties. As of April 1, 2024, certain owner-occupied households may be eligible for a grant to reduce their loan amount. Craft3 will notify you of your eligibility as part of their application process. Please visit Craft3's website using this link for rates and terms, to check eligibility, and begin your application.
For more information about septic system financial assistance or rebates, please contact an Environmental Health Specialist at septic@co.skagit.wa.us or (360) 416-1500.
