Water and Sewage

This section is responsible for inspections and/or permitting for:

• Inspections and permits for septic systems
• Well inspections and water analysis sampling
• Rabies Clinics
• Solid Waste
• Tattoo Establishments
• Swimming Pools 

User fees are in effect for many of the services provided by the Environmental Health Division.

On-Site Wastewater Program Forms

(a2)/LSS Permitting:

• Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS) Evaluation - NCGS 130A-335 (a2)
• (a2) Application Common Form
  

Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) Permit Option:

Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator designation is provided for any individual who is licensed as a soil scientist pursuant to Chapter 89F of the General Statutes and further certified under conditions developed and administered by the North Carolina On-Site Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board may.  The LSS can prepare signed and sealed soil and site evaluations, specifications, plans, and reports for the site layout, construction, operation, and maintenance of a wastewater system in accordance with § 130A-336.2. An Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator shall not perform any of the functions performed by a professional engineer for engineered wastewater systems described in G.S. 130A-336.1.

• AOWE Common Form
• AOWE Instructions

Engineered Option Permitting (EOP):

Engineered Option Permitting (EOP) allows a professional engineer licensed under Chapter 89C of the General Statutes to design and permit a wastewater system for a property owner.   The licensed engineer prepares signed and sealed drawings, specifications, plans, and reports for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the wastewater system in accordance with this section and rules adopted thereunder.

• EOP Rules and Requirements
• EOP Common Form Instructions
• EOP Common Form
  

Duties include but are not limited to:

Important Links

• Application Guidance for Septic System and Well
• List of Private Licensed Soil Consultants
• List of Licensed Septic Installers
• List of Certified Evaluators
• Septage Pumper List 
• Septic System Owner's Guide
• How to Abandon a Septic System
• Proper Maintenance of Septic Systems
• Pump Diagram
• Soil Facts: Why Septic Systems Fail
• What Not to Flush or Put in your Sink (with a Septic Tank)
• Guidance for Septic Systems Before, During and After a Flood
• Guidance for Private Wells Before and After the Flood and Disinfection
• Private Wells Frequently Asked Questions
  

The Septic System Permitting Process

1. The applicant must be the owner of record or must be given permission by the owner via a short-term power of attorney to execute applications for permits on the owner’s behalf. When an application is made for a septic tank permit(s), a site plan of the property is required. The site plan is a drawing showing the shape and size of the property, the state road number, and the driveway and house (or other buildings) located on the property. This site plan must include setbacks (or distance) from the highway right-of-way and at least one other property line to give a location of where the structure will be placed. A diagram from GIS may be printed to assist you if needed.
2. Fees are assessed and based on requested services. View the current fee schedule. Once fees are paid, the applicant is assigned to an Environmental Health Specialist.
3. Some situations may require the Environmental Health Specialist contacting the applicant to schedule an appointment prior to performing the evaluation. In case of an emergency, the applicant can contact the Environmental Health Onsite office in person or via phone.
4. Before the Department evaluates the property, the applicant should rough-stake the area that needs to be evaluated and stake the location of the structure (house, mobile home, business, etc.).
5. An evaluation of the property is made. If the property is suitable for the intended use, the property must be surveyed and a plat submitted for final review with the associated plat fee. If no survey is required, a permit is filed.
6. The permit can be released upon receipt of the proper zoning permit and any other of all applicable fees.
7.  Once the applicant has a proper zoning permit and Environmental Health permit, he or she may apply for permits at the Building Inspections Department. 

Items Needed to Process a Water and Sewer Authorization

• Septic tank has been installed and inspection completed.
• Well has been installed and inspection completed.
• A completed well log by the well contractor must be on file in the office. 
• A bacteriological test will be collected for all new private drinking water wells. The applicant/owner must pay for any subsequent water samples. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide an electrical source and arrange a water test in order for the water sample to be taken. The test can be done by either the Environmental Health Specialist assigned to you, or by a NC State Certified private lab. If the test is performed by the Environmental Health Specialist, results will be available in approximately one week. If you have a private lab do the test, the sample must be collected by a certified lab technician from that laboratory. The nitrate, nitrite, and inorganic water samples are for information only, but they are required by the State of North Carolina. The applicant/owner must pay for any subsequent water samples.  

Once everything has been completed, the Environmental Health Specialist completes a water and sewer authorization. A copy of that form is forwarded to Building Inspections so that a final inspection and permanent power can be obtained.

Links of Interest
NC DHHS On Site Wastewater Rules .1900 Rules
NC DHHS On-Site Water Protection Section
NC Certified Septic Contractors and Inspectors List 
NC Licensed Soil Scientist Directory

The Private Well Class - Free Online Training for Homeowners with Water Wells

If you would like to receive information from Cumberland County Department of Public Health about the well and/or septic system located on your property, please email

Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (except holidays)

Payment Hours 
Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Waste Management GIS Data and Maps can be accessed on the NC Environmental Quality webpage.