Onsite Sewage (Septic) & Well Water Program

The onsite sewage (septic) and well water program ensures that we have safe water supplies by:

  • Protecting surface and ground water to ensure safe drinking water
  • Offering permits for private wells, sewage systems, and sewage disposal
  • Investigating reports of raw sewage or other reports of ground water contamination

Improperly Managed On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems

APPLICATION TYPE FEE (effective July 1, 2019)
Certificate letter, no OSE/PE documentation (no charge for well) $350
Construction permit for onsite sewage system only, no OSE/PE documentation $425
Certification letter with OSE/PE documentation, < = 1,000 gpd $320
Certification letter with OSE/PE documentation, > = 1,000 gpd  $1,400
Construction permit for only onsite sewage system with OSE/PE documentation, < = 1,000 gpd $225
Construction permit for only onsite sewage system with OSE/PE documentation, > = 1,000 gpd $1,400
Private well only, with or without OSE/PE documentation $300
Repair permit for a treatment works, < 1,000 gpd with OSE/PE documentation $425
Repair permit for a treatment works, < 1,000 gpd with OSE/PE documentation $225
Repair permit for a treatment works, > 1,000 gpd with OSE/PE documentation $1,400
Voluntary Upgrade for a treatment works, < 1,000 gpd with OSE/PE documentation $225
Voluntary Upgrade for a treatment works, > 1,000 gpd with OSE/PE documentation $1,400
Safe, adequate, and proper evaluation with OSE/PE/Installer/Operator Documentation $100

VDH Water Services                                                          Temporary Pump & Haul

Survey Plot Waiver                                                              Sewage Handler

Verification of System Location                                   Find an Operator, OSE

Regulations & Current Regulatory Activity

  • To file a complaint, submit forms, request an inspection, request inspection reports, or request more documents, email Environmental Health Services, Powhatan Health District at powhatan_eh@vdh.virginia.gov or call (804)598-5680
  • Beginning July 11, 2019, applicants seeking evaluation and design services from VDH must submit a petition for VDH services and must meet means testing criteria or the VDH Hardship Guidelines.
Last Updated: August 2, 2022