Preventing Illness and Promoting Wellness for Communities in Eastern Connecticut

  • Andover
  • Ashford
  • Bolton
  • Chaplin
  • Columbia
  • Coventry
  • Mansfield
  • Scotland
  • Tolland
  • Willington

Septic Systems

EHHD provides oversight of all septic system installations and repairs within the district.  This oversight begins with the site investigation and soil testing and continues through the plan review, permit approval and construction inspection stages of the installation process in order to ensure a proper installation of the septic system.  A properly installed septic system, or subsurface sewage disposal system, is required by the Connecticut Public Health Code in order to protect the health and safety of the the homeowners, property users and the general public.

Although there are some properties that are served by public sewer systems located in a few small communities within our health district, the majority of the homes, businesses and other property uses throughout the district are served by on-site septic systems.  Septic systems can last for many years when properly maintained, but existing systems may eventually need to be repaired or replaced, and some systems may need to be altered or expanded to accommodate proposed building projects or use changes. 

New Systems- If you are planning to build a new home or business, or establish a new building use that will require a septic system, please contact your local health district office or our main office in Mansfield to discuss your plans and start the review process with EHHD.  

System Repairs/Replacement- If you have questions or concerns about the condition of your existing septic system (or cesspool, or that mysterious hole or pipe in your yard), please contact your local health district office or our main office in Mansfield to discuss the matter.  We may have information on file about your system and property that could help address some of your questions and concerns, or can help when developing a repair plan. 

System Alterations- If you are planning a home renovation, addition or business change that will increase the number of bedrooms in the home or otherwise increase the daily water use at your home or business, your existing septic system may not be capable of receiving the additional flow of wastewater.  While many such projects can be approved without the need to alter or expand your septic system, the size and condition of your existing system and the proposed increase in daily water use may necessitate a system alteration.  This determination will be made by the health district after reviewing the Public Health Review Application for your proposal. For additional information on CT Public Health Code see 19-13-B100a.  See Building Projects for more information.  


Additional information can be found under Forms & Applications

  • Most septic system projects begin with a site investigation and soil testing.
  • When site and soil conditions are established, a system design plan must be developed.  Certain site and soil restrictions may require an engineered design plan while a non-engineered design plan is acceptable for less restrictive sites.  For additional information see the following documents:
  • The design plan must be submitted to the health district with an  Application for Plan Review and the appropriate fee. 
  • In addition to the application for plan review and fee, a Septic System Permit Application and fee must be submitted to EHHD and approved prior to any system construction or repair.
  • The Permit to Construct will indicate the inspections required during the system installation or repair. 
  • When the job is completed and approved, the installer must submit a Septic System As-Built Plan and the health district will issue a Permit to Discharge.

Other Resources for Septic Systems