HEALTHY OSS FOR KING COUNTY

Why are we talking about OSS?

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King County, septic professionals, homeowners, businesses, realtors & developers are all a part of creating a healthy OSS system of management that protects people, neighborhoods and our environment. It takes all of us to make sure we’ll have working systems that last into a healthy future for everyone.

OSS MANAGEMENT FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH

The Public Health – Seattle & King County On-site Sewage/Septic System (OSS) Program helps make sure that over 85,000 sewage/septic systems in King County are safe.  ​

On-site Sewage/Septic Systems (OSS) are decentralized wastewater treatment systems used in areas where centralized sewer systems are impractical or unavailable. These systems process and treat household wastewater on the property where it is generated, typically consisting of residential or small-scale commercial sewage.

There is a rich system of people, processes, and policies that manage all the OSS in place in King County. The process starts with the first design of a new OSS. It continues with check ins and inspections. It ends when it’s time to replace the OSS. These systems ensure the safety and health of King County residents.
Join us as we explore the vital role of OSS code revisions in shaping the landscape of wastewater management, promoting responsible environmental stewardship, and ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.

Health Concerns

​​King Country works to protect all residents in King County from health risks from failing and malfunctioning OSS. They prioritize high-risk scenarios such as the following:

Shoreline Pollution: Failing OSS can potentially contaminate shellfish harvesting beds. Shellfish from some King County beaches are harvested and served raw in restaurants all over the world, making this high-risk for food safety and the economy.
Complicated Systems: More complex OSS raise concerns about the possibility of failed OSS leading to many people exposed to untreated sewage.
Close Urban Areas: In densely populated urban areas, raw sewage from failing OSS can more quickly impact neighbors and other residents.
Near Other Water Bodies Used for Recreation: Malfunctioning OSS systems situated close to water bodies where recreational activities occur can expose people to polluted water.
Take care of your investment!
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Get Regular Maintenance: Just like our cars, OSS require maintenance to make sure they are working well. OSS often serve families for generations, lasting as long as we own our homes and beyond.
Pump Routinely: Prevent extra wear on pipes and filters by keeping your system septic tank from becoming over-full of sludge.
Replace & Update Aging Systems: Nothing lasts forever! Like your roof, your OSS will need to be replaced at some point no matter how well you maintain it. Set aside funds and look for programs and rebates with King County.
Understand Local OSS Codes: These codes help ensure that your system is well maintained. It’s up to all residents to follow the rules and guidelines that protect home values, save lives, and ensure clean waterways for generations to come.This is how YOU play a part in healthy OSS management.
Find out how to engage & share your voice.
King County is now offering financial rebates for qualifying septic system maintenance and side sewer repair activitie

What are code revisions?

Regularly revising OSS code is crucial. It helps with the challenges of population growth, tech advances, and changing environmental priorities. These codes:
 

  • protect residents from health risks
  • ensure that professionals are properly trained and certified
  • create no nonsense guidelines for operating healthy OSS
  • promote good home values & safe neighborhoods
  • foster high quality OSS industry standards

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