Septic
 
The Prince William Health Department is responsible for the oversight and regulation of the following Sewage and Water Environmental Health topics in Prince William County, the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and the towns of Dumfries, Haymarket, Quantico, and Occoquan. If you have questions or need assistance, call Environmental Health at 703-792-6310, option 2, or visit us at the Development Services Building, 5 County Complex Court, Suite 240, Woodbridge, VA 22192.
 
The Prince William County Code regarding onsite sewage disposal systems can be viewed through the following link: CODE OF ORDINANCES-PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY. You can either click on Chapter 23 or do a search for Section 23-48, which pertains to the onsite sewage disposal systems. According to Section 23-48, onsite sewage disposal systems not requiring a Virginia Pollution Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit shall have pump-out accomplished at least once every five years. Please see #14 below to view the most recent reported pump out for your address.
 
Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems
 
Proper operation and maintenance of an AOSS is required by law, is necessary to ensure continued functioning of your alternative system and may prevent premature failure of the system.  Operation and maintenance information for your alternative system may be found by contacting the original system designer, the local health department or by visiting the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) website. For more information about the new rules and regulations for alternative sewage systems effective April 7, 2010, click here.
 
In addition, our Frequently Asked Questions & Answers are available to help with clarifications.
For more information regarding operation and maintenance manuals, please visit the VDH website under Manufacturers' Instructions.

Sewage & Septic

  1. Sewage Disposal System Construction Application: Sewage Disposal and/or Water Supply Permit Application.

  2. Septic Repair Application: Sewage Disposal and/or Water Supply Permit Application.

  3. Septic Express Repair Permit Application: Express Permit.

  4. Sewage Disposal System Information Sheet-C to start construction within 18 months: Sheet C - 18 months construction.

  5. Sewage Disposal System Information Sheet-B for immediate construction: Sheet B-Immediate Construction

  6. Sewage Disposal System Information Sheet for a Certification Letter: Sheet D - Certification Letter.

  7. Swimming Pool Construction on properties with on-site sewage disposal: Contact the Department of Public Works at 703-792-6830.

  8. Sewage Disposal System Installers-Local Private Companies List: Contractor List 2011-2012

  9. Sewage Handlers-Local Private Companies List:

    Haulers List 2012

  10. Application to be a Sewage Handler: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmentalhealth/onsite/regulations/index.htm
    11.  

  11. Application to be a Sewage Disposal System Installer (has two parts) - Part 1: Contractor BOND, and Part 2: Contractor Application.

  12. Private Onsite Soil Evaluators (OSE/AOSE) licensed through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

  13. How Onsite Sewage Systems Work.

  14. Septic Tank Last Pump-out Record: Pump-Out List. Properties are listed by address. Once the PDF is open, click on 'Edit' and then click on 'Find' to search for the property you are looking for. For best results, type in the number and street only.

Helpful Links & Additional Resources

  • NVRC (Northern Virginia Regional Commission) provides a Quick Guide for Homeowners.

    In January 2005, NVRC published a guide for homeowners on simple things they can do to maintain the integrity of their conventional septic system or alternative onsite wastewater treatment system.

  • NESC (National Environmental Services Center) provides information regarding Septic Systems.

    This website can help you to understand what septic systems are and how to maintain them. In addition there is information on ground water protection, soil evaluations and inspections.

  • NESC created a helpful publication entitled So Now You Have a Septic System.

    This PDF will help in understanding the basics of a septic system.

  • NESC developed a poster for illustrating Typical Uses of Alternative Wastewater Systems.

  • The VDH Office of Environmental Health Services provides information and animated graphics to illustrate How Systems Work. A Photo Album is also available.