The Highland County Health Department Household Sewage Treatment Program oversees septic system installations, system repairs, sewage complaints, and other areas pertaining to sewage treatment and disposal of household sewage. All system inspectors are Registered Sanitarians in the State of Ohio, and regularly attend trainings and conferences to remain current with the new technologies and science associated with sewage treatment and disposal.

Before a home sewage system can be installed in Highland County, the proposed home area and soil composition must be surveyed. Next, septic system plans are developed by the health department’s sanitarians. When the site and drawings are approved, and the installation permit issued, the contractor can begin installation. The health department then acts as a consultant for any problems, and inspects the system before it can be buried and used. The complete permit and installation process involves several fees, which on the fee schedule. The character of your site and work will determine which fees are applicable. Please contact the health department for more information concerning these fees.

 Fee Schedule: CLICK HERE

Household Sewage Treatment (HSTS) Program Documents

  • Applications for new and existing HSTS

    • If you are wanting to have a new HSTS, repairs/replace an existing HSTS, perform a lot split or a major/minor sub division you will need to fill out the following Site Review (HSTS, SFOSTS, & GWRS) application. An application and fee is required for each lot created unless otherwise exempt. To download: CLICK HERE

    • If you are wishing to have your existing HSTS evaluated for your own knowledge, loan inspection, real estate sale, etc. you will need to to fill out and pay for the following Application to Request an Operation and Maintenance inspection of an Existing Sewage Treatment System . To download: CLICK HERE

    • If you are having trouble with your septic system, you may request our office to do an inspection. If it is found to be failing you will be required to apply for a Site Review (HSTS, SFOSTS, & GWRS) (see above). Application for Homeowner’s inspection request in regards to a failing septic system. To download: CLICK HERE

  • Contractor & Soil Evaluator Information

    • Registration & Resources:

      • 2025 Application to Register as Sewage Treatment System Installer, Hauler and/or Service Provider. To download: CLICK HERE

        • 2025 Renewal Application Cover Letter: To download: CLICK HERE

        • ODH Contractor Registration fact sheet: To download: CLICK HERE

        • Highland County Sewage Treatment System Installation Manual: To download: CLICK HERE

        • Ohio Sewage Rules: Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-29: To be directed to website: CLICK HERE

        • Ohio Department of Health’s website contains additional information and forms: To be directed to website: CLICK HERE

    • Application for Land Application of Sewage in Highland County - contact the Highland County Health Dept. at 937-393-1941

    • Soil Evaluators To view current list visit Ohio Department of Health’s “ Soils, Designs, and Drainage” website and click on “Soil Evaluators tab”. Next click on “Soil Scientist Meeting the Criteria Established under Rule OAC 3701-29-07 to perform soil work in Ohio”. To be directed to website: CLICK HERE

    • Sewage System Designers - Designer’s are not required to be registered, however all designs must comply with Ohio Sewage rules. Ohio Dept. of Health’s sewage webpage has a list of designer’s local health departments have provided to them. To be directed to website: CLICK HERE

  • WPCLF Grant

    • The Ohio Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) improves water quality by providing financing for

      the upgrade and repair of Household Sewage Treatment System (HSTS). The WPCLF offers assistance

      to individual property owners for the repair or replacement of failing of HSTS (septic systems) reducing

      the overall cost of the improvements for the property owner and helps ensure effective wastewater

      treatment.

    • All work done under the WPCLF grant must have prior approval. The Grant cycle runs a calendar year behind. To apply for the the 2024 cycle (executed in 2025) please complete an application and submit it along with all supporting documentation. Return to the Highland County Health Department, Attn: Environmental Health Director.

      • WPCLF Applications for failing septic system assistance To download: CLICK HERE

    • You will also need to have documented information that your system is failing. See the above Application for Homeowner’s inspection request in regards to a failing septic system.

  • Variance requests - provide a letter of request with explanation of why a variance is being requested or you may fill out and submit the following form once completed: To download: CLICK HERE.

  • NPDES Application and permit information can be found at the Ohio EPA’s Surface Water Division website:

 Septic system maintenance fact sheets for various system types and components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install septic systems in Highland County?

Response: Septic system installers must register with the health department and provide proof of surety bond. Home owners can install their own systems after consultation with the health department.

 Can I install my own system?

Response: Yes, after consultation with the health department. The Highland County Health Department is not liable for improper installation or system malfunction.

 Is my area of land large enough to put a system on?

Response: The health department requires a site evaluation to be performed prior to any system installation. Lot size is important, but soil composition, replacement area, and other considerations play a part in system site selection and approval.

 How long does a system take to install?

Response: It varies widely, depending on the contractor, size/type of system, and number of workers. One to two days is average.

 Can you recommend an installer?

Response: The health department cannot recommend an installer, but we do have a list of installers that are registered within the county.

 If my home site requires an alternative system, can you design it?

Response: Sometimes. Usually, however, an engineer or qualified designer is required.

 Can a septic system be installed year round?

Response: No. Soil conditions must be dry in order to insure the proper operation of the leaching trenches. Installation is particularly difficult in spring, when large amounts of rain are common.

 Does water from a clothes washer or sink need to go into a sewage disposal system?

Response: Yes.

 How long will my septic system last?

Response: Depends widely on use and maintenance. A properly used and maintained septic system could conceivably last indefinitely.

 What do I do if I think my system is failing?

Response: Call the health department for evaluation and advice.