Introduction
The Division of Onsite Water and Wastewater Services is using this platform to share data with stakeholders about the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) onsite sewage program including operation and maintenance (O&M) data for alternative onsite sewage systems (AOSS) and alternative discharging sewage systems (ADSS). The source of these data are private sector operators who submit required reports to VDH. Because use of the Environmental Health Database (EHD) is limited to VDH personnel, sharing the data requires extraction from EHD, and converting and reposting it in a location and format that is accessible to stakeholders.
This data-share effort responds to provisions of House Bill 2477 of the 2017 General Assembly session, requiring VDH to:
- “Expand efforts to educate the public concerning the design, operation and maintenance of onsite sewage systems…”, and
- “Improve the collection and management of data about onsite sewage systems and private wells…”
We anticipate stakeholders will routinely look at this data to (1) assess function and treatment efficacy of proprietary treatment systems and devices; (2) use the data to recommend treatment methodology or proprietary or branded systems based on statistical or other analysis of sampling and maintenance results; and (3) allow Owners and Operators to monitor performance of installed systems for which they have shared responsibility.
The posted data will be refreshed annually with data received since it was last updated. The data sets, accessible below, includes reports received from 2011 to 2023.
VDH views this is as an important step in more efficiently and effectively communicating information regarding onsite wastewater systems and their efficacy in protecting the environment and the public health of its stakeholders. VDH appreciates the consideration and cooperation of all stakeholders as this program evolves, recognizing that we all have a common goal of continuous improvement.
The final report of the committee charged with the initial implementation of this data sharing effort may be accessed by stakeholders by using the link provided below:
FINAL REPORT on External Communication of O&M Data