Septic Systems
The On-Site Sewage Treatment Systems Program protects the health and environment of Johnson County citizens by ensuring that on-site septic systems are properly designed and operated.
The program inspects new residential and commercial on-site septic systems and existing commercial and residential systems subject to property transactions. The program also investigates complaints about malfunctioning on-site septic systems.
View the Current Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code.
In March 2024, a new Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code DRAFT 1 was released. The purpose of updating the code is to ensure that evidence-based practice is implemented in the management of onsite residential septic systems, commercial septic systems, drinking water wells and wastewater ponds/lagoons following prescribed rules, regulations, and standards set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Based on feedback received at a public listening session on March 27, 2024, and comments received via email and phone calls, the Sanitary Code draft was revised and DRAFT 2 is now available for review.
The revised Sanitary Code DRAFT 2 will be presented to the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners on May 2, 2024, for submission to KDHE for review and approval. After KDHE approves the draft (expected by July 2024), the proposed Sanitary Code will be presented to the BOCC for final adoption. JCDHE will request that the effective date of the new Sanitary Code be January 1, 2025.
The current draft will be available for comment until the BOCC approves the Code. All comments and feedback about the Sanitary Code may be sent to jcdhe@jocogov.org.
Kansas statute requirements for Sanitary Code adoptions:
Pursuant to K.S.A. 19-3704, whenever the county commissioners deem it necessary to adopt a sanitary code, they shall prepare such sanitary code and submit it to the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for review and approval. After such approval, the county commissioners are required to hold at least one public hearing on the proposed code, with appropriate public notice to include publication in the official county newspaper once a week for three consecutive weeks. After the adjournment of the public hearing, the county commissioners may adopt the sanitary code.
Fees
The 2004 Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code establishes that Johnson County Department of Health and Environment has the authority to assess various user fees to cover program administration and enforcement costs. Current fees can be found on the Forms and Fees page.
Designers, Installers, and Pumpers
JCDHE licenses the individuals who design and install private on-site sewage treatment systems in the areas of Johnson County served by the Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code. JCDHE also licenses the disposal contractors, also known as pumpers, who pump and clean septic tanks and transport sewage to disposal sites. The licenses are renewed annually. These individuals are listed on this site for the convenience of system owners. JCDHE does not endorse any particular individual or company.
Residential Systems
Approximately 23% of all homes in the United States are served by private sewage treatment systems. There are approximately 9,000 private sewage treatment systems in Johnson County. The Residential On-Site Program issues permits for private sewage treatment systems where property owners are not served by a public wastewater collection system.
Resale Inspections
Another benefit of our program is the resale inspection. This is an inspection of the existing private sewage treatment system serving a residential property, which is required to be completed prior to a property being bought or sold. The buyer or seller may request the inspections.
Commercial/Industrial Systems
The Commercial/Industrial On-Site Program issues permits to install and operate non-residential septic systems where property owners are not served by a public wastewater collection system. There are about 400 entities subject to regulations under this program including businesses, government agencies, institutions and others.
Maintaining Your System
Care of the Septic System
- Have your tank pumped, by a licensed pumper, based on the size of the tank and the number of people in your home.
- After your initial pumping, work with the pumper to determine how often your tank should be pumped (usually every 3-5 years).
- NEVER enter the septic tank as there could be dangerous gases.
- Inspect your lateral field and septic system area regularly.
- If repairs are needed, contact a licensed installer. A permit from JCDHE will be required in most cases.
- Contact JCDHE prior to any building additions, fencing, decking, exterior buildings or alterations to your property.
Conserve Water
- Use your garbage disposal sparingly
- Spread out water usage during the day
- Spread out laundry usage during the week
- Repair leaky faucets and valves
- Use water conservation fixtures
Do not put these items down the drain or toilet
- Wet wipes (even flushable)
- Bones
- Motor oil
- Pesticides
- Poisons
- Solvents
- Tampons
- Condoms
- Degreasers
- Chemicals
- Paint
- Sand
- Glass
- Metal
- Kitty litter
- Egg shells
- Fats, oils or grease
- Coffee grounds
Landscaping
- Do not park equipment or vehicles such as cars or motorhomes on the lateral field
- Do not allow livestock onto the lateral field
- Do not plant trees or vegetables on the lateral field
- Direct downspouts and rainwater away from the lateral field