Environmental Engineering - Subsurface Sewage

An estimated 40% of Connecticut residents, close to 1.5 million people, live in homes served by on-site sewage systems. The vast majority of these sewage systems are conventional septic systems that are under the jurisdiction of the Local Directors of Health, and are the primary means of sewage disposal in rural and low density suburban areas. Septic systems also serve apartment buildings, schools, restaurants, and other commercial buildings in non-urban areas.

Septic systems that are properly designed, installed, and maintained provide a safe and efficient way of disposing domestic sewage. However, when sewage is discharged to antiquated or substandard sewage systems, such as cesspools, renovation of the wastewater by the soil may be incomplete. Sewage contains pathogens (disease causing organisms) and if improperly disposed may result in health hazards and nuisance conditions.

Each year a week in September is chosen to highlight proper maintenance and care of septic systems. Not everyone has one, but if you do, maintenance is key to ensure a properly functioning septic system.

Click on the SepticSmart icon below for more information.

Septic systems on sites with design flows of 7,500* gallons per day (GPD) and less are permitted by the Local Director Health. Additionally, plans for large septic systems serving buildings with design flows of 2,000 to 7,500 GPD must be approved by the CT Department of Public Health. Septic systems, defined as subsurface sewage disposal systems, are regulated by Public Health Code (PHC) Section 19-13-B103 and the associated Technical Standards for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (Technical Standards). Local Health Department contact information. Septic systems on sites with design flows exceeding 7,500 GPD, alternative sewage disposal systems, and community sewage systems are permitted by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP).

*See Circular Letter 2017-17 that concerns new legislation (Public Act 17-146, Section 30) that affected subsurface sewage disposal system jurisdiction.

For general questions and to receive program notifications please e-mail the Environmental Engineering Program at: DPH.EnvironmentalEngineering@ct.gov

Additional Online Resources:

TOPIC INDEX

Statutes, Regulations and Technical Standards for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems
Design Manual
Historical Technical Standards
Circular Letters
Exception Applications
Trainings
Water Treatment Wastewater (WTW)
Homeowners
- Financial Assistance Programs
Inspections of Existing Septic Systems
- Manufactured Select Fill
Approved Septic Tank Precasters
Product Approvals
Proprietary Leaching Systems H-20 Certifications
DPH Code Advisory Committee
Installer/Cleaner Exam Information

Statutes, Regulations and Technical Standards for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

Technical Standards 2023 (uploaded 1/1/2023, revised copy 1/23/2023)
Highlighted Technical Standards 2023 Changes (1/23/2023)
Summary of 2023 Technical Standards revisions
-2023 TS Update Presentation (full screen) or printer friendly
Connecticut Public Health Code - Section 19-13-B100a Building Conversions and Additions
Sewage System Installer and Cleaner Statutes

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Design Manual - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems for Households and Small Commercial Buildings:

Design Manual Part 1 (General Design Principles)
Design Manual Part 2 (Specific Design Considerations)

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Historical Technical Standards

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Exception Applications
All applications are for Local Health Department use only.

We encourage electronic completion and submission utilizing the Electronic Form (eform) including scanned supporting documentation. Please see Circular Letter 2011-70 Water Supply Well Separation Distance Exceptions and/or Circular Letter 2012-42 Central System Exceptions in the Environmental Engineering section under Environmental Health Section-Publications for additional requirements.