Point of sale

1. Point of Sale Inspections
Inspector Qualifications, Training, and Inspection Forms
Dawn Long, American Septic Service
Four states have point-of-sale (POS) inspections: Arizona, Iowa, Massachusetts, and
New Mexico. Colorado was not included because individual counties may opt in or out of the
program. Numerous counties or municipalities in other states have adopted comprehensive
POS inspections, all with varied regulations.
Almost unanimously, inspectors are held accountable, repairs are mandatory, local
regulators review inspection reports, and state Websites post the names of certified
inspectors. Most regulators allow 30 days for repairs and do not delay transfer of title. Many
local municipalities require well testing as part of the POS inspection.
Realtors remain the greatest obstacle to state-mandated POS inspections. Some 50
percent believe it will prevent the transfer of property, although this writer found no
evidence to substantiate the claims. The other half believes inspections protect all parties.
Realtors writing contracts are innovative regarding who pays for the inspection.
The National Environmental Services Center provides a summary of onsite wastewater
regulations by state. The Appendix links to state and county inspection forms and training
manuals.
MANDATORY POINT OF SALE INSPECTIONS
Arizona
In 2001, the Arizona Administrative Code mandated POS inspections for all permitted
onsites installed beginning January 2002. In July 2006, the rule changed to include all onsites
regardless of age. To date, the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) has
certified 309 POS inspectors under the auspices of the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
Applicants for the NAWT inspection course must be licensed engineers, registered
sanitarians, owners of septage trucks or their employees, certain licensed contractors,
wastewater treatment plant operators, or persons qualified under anothercategory
designated by the ADEQ. Inspectors must renew their certification every two years with
eight continuing education units (CEU). Point-of-sale inspection reports are valid for six
months. Pumping is required, but disclosing repairs is not mandatory.
Iowa
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources began its transfer of title inspection
program in 2009. It was developed by University of Minnesota colleagues Sara Heger, Onsite
Sewage Treatment Program (OSTP) Extension Specialist, and Dave Gustafson, P.E., OSTP
assistant extension engineer.
Inspection course applicants must have two years of onsite experience in installation,
design, or operation and maintenance, then complete the 30-hour Basics of Onsites course
at the Training Center of Iowa or an equivalent course approved by the department. To
qualify for recertification, inspectors must complete 25 inspections and 12 CEU every two
years. Inspections are valid for two years even if the property sells within that time. Septic

2. tanks must be pumped within the last three years. Failing systems must be brought up to
code.
Realtors must meet with inspectors, oversee inspections, and ensure documents are
filled out correctly and delivered properly.
Properties valued at less than $500, transfers within intra-family businesses or
organizations, foreclosures, or transfers by trustees are exempt from POS inspections.
Massachusetts
Since 1995, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has allowed
septage haulers, board of health members, engineers, installers, and others with one year
documented onsite knowledge to become inspectors. The New England Interstate Water
Pollution Control Commission conducts the training and certification program. The three-
year renewal cycle includes 10 hours of continuing education. Certified inspectors are
posted on the state’s Website.
Systems with metal or cracked septic tanks, broken or obstructed pipes, uneven
distribution boxes, or malfunctioning pump chambers can qualify for a conditional pass on
inspection reports, but not soil absorption systems and cesspools. Once the local board of
health approves the repaired or replaced components, the systems pass inspection.
Property transfers between parents and children, spouses, full siblings, or family trusts
are exempt from inspections.
New Mexico
The New Mexico Environmental Health Department mandated POS inspections in
2005, and NAWT certifies the inspectors. Deficiencies listed on inspection reports must be
corrected within 15 days or as approved by the department. Replacements or modifications
require a permit.
Non-Mandatory Point of Sale States
Alabama
Licensed and unlicensed plumbers provide POS inspections. The Alabama Onsite
Wastewater Association Training Center and University of West Alabama conduct the bulk
of licensee training for onsite professionals.
Alaska
What to Look For When Buying a Home, a guide from the Alaska Department of
Environmental Conservation, educates buyers about onsite systems
Arkansas
Arkansas has no online training materials for onsite inspectors.
The state Department of Health (ADH) approves single-family septic systems and small
decentralized systems. Permitted systems are inspected regularly and complaints are
investigated.
California
Inspectors are NAWT trained and certified.

3. Colorado
Each county had to adopt the latest Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment onsite regulations by June 2014. However, counties were allowed to opt in or
out of the Transfer of Title program. According to a 2 June 2014 email from Chuck Cousino,
Onsite Coordinator in the department’s Water Quality Control Division, only 15 of some 50
local public health agencies – mainly those along the Front Range with the densest
populations – accepted the program. Jefferson County Regulations are also detailed here.
Inspectors must certify through NAWT or hold an equivalent national certification.
Connecticut
Onsite systems serve approximately 30 percent of Connecticut’s population.
Connecticut Septic Inspection Recommendations
Delaware
Most mortgage companies recommend onsite inspections.
Revised septic regulations from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Control require inspectors to hold a Class H license. Maryland Onsite
Wastewater Professionals Association, Delaware Technical and Community College,
Pennsylvania Septage Management Association, and NAWT provide the courses.
District of Columbia
Sewered.
Florida
In 2012, the governor signed HB 1263, repealing the law requiring septic tanks to be
inspected every five years and the ordinance requiring POS inspections.
Georgia
Georgia requires a riser if septic tank lids are 12 inches below grade.
Hawaii
Hawaii has more cesspools than any other state. They serve single- and multi-family
dwellings, restaurants, churches, and office and commercial buildings.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned large cesspools – defined as
serving 20 people or handling more than 1,000 gallons per day – in 2005. Five years later, it
issued compliance and penalty orders to enforce the mandate. The agency was still issuing
Consent Agreements in 2012, the most recent data.
Idaho
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has no POS inspections; however,
banks requiring a home loan survey or mortgage survey ask homeowners to include an
onsite inspection. Local health department officials review permits, evaluate systems, and
draw samples from potable wells. Septic tanks must be pumped within the last three years.
Homeowners pay a $60 environmental fee that includes the survey, but does not cover
laboratory services. Districts may impose an additional fee.

4. Illinois
Tazewell County requires an onsite inspection for the sale of property or exchange of
ownership. Escrow funds pay for repairs or replacements at time of closing. Whoever orders
the inspection must send a copy of the report, signed by the buyer and seller, to the county
health department before closing and within 30 days of its issuance.
Indiana
The 2014 Indiana State Nonpoint Source Management Plan continues to research a
lender POS inspection program with NAWT-certified training, a State Revolving Fund loan
program for septic upgrades and repairs, and to map priority coastal septic system areas.
Kansas
Most of the state’s 105 counties are administered by an Environmental/Sanitary Code
that may require POS inspections.
Sedgwick County has had POS inspections since August 1993.
Kentucky
The wellhead protection plan from the Louisville (Ky.) Water Co. helps residents
prevent contamination of the aquifer.
Louisiana
Installers and maintenance providers are trained through the University of Louisiana at
Lafayette Continuing Education Department and licensed through the Louisiana Department
of Health and Hospital.
Maine
The Maine Department of Human Services and Maine Department of Environmental
Protection developed a voluntary certification program for onsite inspections.
Maryland
The Annotated Code of Maryland requires individuals performing POS inspections to
complete a course approved by the state Department of the Environment. The code also
recommends individuals take an approved course every five years.
Michigan
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality does not require POS inspections,
but numerous villages and townships do. The 1.2-square-mile Village of Empire adopted POS
inspections, but Leelanau County in which it resides has not. Surrounding counties Benzie,
Manistee, and Kalkaska have POS ordinances. Brooks Township in Newaygo County has a
POS ordinance, but the county does not. The same is true for Long Lake Township in Grand
Traverse County. Northwest Michigan Home Inspection Services list inspection
requirements.
Minnesota
Two thirds of Minnesota’s 87 counties require POS inspections. Aaron Jensen, Policy
and Planning person at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, says a statewide mandate is

5. unlikely. The University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program trains inspectors,
who must work under a mentor. A factsheet explains the certification and licensing program.
Mississippi
The Mississippi Department of Health and Human Services requires domestic
wastewater and graywater to enter the onsite system. Managing Household Wastewater, a
publication from the Mississippi State University Extension Service, enables homeowners to
assess if their onsite systems are contaminating sources of drinking water.
Missouri
Some Missouri counties require POS inspections. Alternative systems must be
inspected per manufacturer’s specifications and at time of sale, the latest alternative system
inspection report must be attached to the standard inspection form.
According to a 6 June email from Lora Cable, HPRII, Department of Health and Senior
Services, inspectors must complete the Licensed Inspector/Evaluator course. The Missouri
Department of Health and Senior Services licenses individuals, not companies. The initial
three-year renewal cycle requires 20 CEU of which eight are select criteria (license specific).
Subsequent renewals require 12 CEU with eight select criteria. Inspectors have 45 days after
their license expires to complete the renewal, but they may not inspect systems.
Inspection reports, in a checklist format, include the examination of wells and the
collection of water samples. Reports and samples must be submitted to the department and
county authority within 30 days of completion according to a 4 June 2014 email from Lora
Cable, HPRII, Department of Health and Senior Services.
Montana
The Montana Legislative Services Division has a memo on POS inspections. The Septic
Pumpers Guide from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality is a valuable tool for
service providers.
Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Environmental Equality requires the certification of
onsite professionals. Inspectors in Lincoln Lancaster County must then certify with the
county. According to a 1 July 2014 email from John Chess, Water Quality Supervisor at the
county health department, county certification focuses on practical knowledge, whereas state
certification focuses on technical aspects.
Sellers, who are responsible for inspections, choose from a list of certified inspectors.
Properties with potable wells require another certified inspection. Upon reviewing the POS
inspection report and receiving the $200 fee, department officials issue a Determination
letter classifying systems as approved, denied, or delayed due to weather. The law gives five
days for review, however "Consumer friendly" is the motto of the department and most
reviews are out the door in 24 hours or less. Chess said denials do not stop sales, but most
Title companies and lending institutions will not close on such properties.
Nevada
The Nevada State Health Division oversees statewide regulation of onsite systems and
contractors, but county or multi-county health bureaus oversee local system operations and

6. installations. The factsheet published by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
recommends pumping 1,000-gallon septic tanks used by four-member families every three
years. More frequent pumping may be necessary in larger families or in households using
garbage disposals or allowing excessive grease to enter the system.
Annual monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of alternative systems must be done
by persons registered, licensed, or certified by the State of California under the Business and
Professions Code.
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services onsite regulations require
septic tanks to be pumped by a licensed septage hauler when sludge and scum levels equal
one-third or more of the tank depth.
New Jersey
A 2012 amendment to the New Jersey Administrative Code requires cesspools to be
replaced when properties change ownership. In 2003, The New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection published a technical guide for Inspections of Onsite Wastewater
Treatment and Disposal Systems.
New York
Since 2011, the Town of Yorktown, in Westchester County N.Y., has required onsite
systems to be inspected every five years. The county health department licenses septage
collectors.
A Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Design Handbook, published by the
New York State Department of Health Bureau of Water Supply Protection, includes this
section on effluent filters:
“Effluent filters protect absorption areas from premature clogging and
failure due to the release of non-settleable solids and non-degradable flushed
materials from the septic tank. Effluent filters are installed on the outlet of septic
tanks or the last septic tank in-series before distribution to the absorption area.
Installation of septic tank effluent filters is an inexpensive method to enhance
the effectiveness of septic tanks. Effluent filters also may protect homeowners
from inadvertently causing extensive and expensive damage to the absorption
area.
“When an effluent filter is installed, a riser should be installed and extended
to the ground surface for access to the filter for maintenance. It is
recommended to use filters certified under NSF Standard 46. Effluent filters
should be inspected about every six months for signs of clogging; however,
unless premature clogging is detected, filters should only be cleaned (washed off
into the septic tank) when the septic tank is emptied of solids every two to three
years by a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
permitted septage transporter. Slow drainage or plumbing backups may be an
indication of filter clogging. Some effluent filters can be equipped with an alarm
to warn of clogging and prevent sewage backups into homes.

7. North Carolina
The private North Carolina Onsite Wastewater Contractor Inspector Certification
Board has a comprehensive training program for inspectors and installers.
North Dakota
Senate Bill 2307 addressed the regulation of septage disposal, but it failed to pass the
2013 state legislative session. Local public health departments have adopted general
standards in the state plumbing code or similar standards for use within their jurisdiction,
which includes several counties. Each unit has in-house training for system design and
installation, sewers, soils, and advanced treatment systems. Certification is valid for two
years.
The booming oil industry has attracted pumpers from other states. To acquaint them
with established standards, the North Dakota Department of Health published a Septage
Pumper Guidance Manual for handling septage from temporary worker camps, cluster
housing, and portable restrooms.
Ohio
Ohio Department of Health officials are attempting to enact new septic standards (25
percent of the population relies on onsite systems).
Columbiana, Geauga, and Trumbull Counties, among others, require POS inspections.
The Summit County Health Department, which also mandates private well inspections,
created a Powerpoint presentation on the process. Inspections are valid for two years. As
part of the property transfer, the county requires onsite systems to be connected to a
sanitary sewer, if available.
Clark County Combined Health District and Medina County Health Department conduct
POS inspections on request, but they have no law requiring them.
The Clermont County General Health District Basic System Assessment Program evaluates
systems with electrical components every 19 months and all other systems every 38 months. The
county has more than 20,000 onsite systems.
Oklahoma
In 2012, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality updated its onsite rules. A
factsheet recommends annual inspections of septic tanks. The department issues licenses for
onsite installers, contractors, pumpers, and septage haulers.
Oregon
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality adopted Septic Smart, the U.S. EPA’s
voluntary program designed to encourage onsite inspections. Inspectors include state-
certified installers and maintenance providers, NAWT-certified inspectors, registered
environmental health specialist and wastewater specialist, and professional engineers.
Licensed pumpers must have one of the above certifications to do inspections
According to a 2 June 2014 email from Priscilla Woolverton, Onsite Wastewater
Specialist, Western Region, the program depends on certified onsite professionals signing up
on the Septic Smart Inspector List. To remain on it, inspectors must submit a year-end
questionnaire.
Pennsylvania

8. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or other governing
agencies have no inspection standards and do not regulate inspectors.
The Pennsylvania Septage Management Association has trained and licensed
inspectors for 25 years. The Commonwealth courts, county courts, and local courts have
recognized the training program as the industry standard during proceedings with real-
estate inspection issues.
PSMA members service Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Rhode Island
Numerous Rhode Island towns have adopted a wastewater management ordinance
requiring onsite inspections. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
is investigating POS inspections. The New England Onsite Wastewater Training Program at
the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, R.I., lists registered inspectors. The state is
phasing out cesspools.
South Carolina
South Carolina has roughly 1 million septic tanks according to the Department of
Health and Environmental Control. The U.S. EPA estimates that 10 percent or 100,000 of
those systems fail every year. The department recommends inspecting conventional onsite
systems every one to two years, and alternative systems once a year or more frequently as
recommended by the manufacturer.
In 2008, the state legislature modified the septic tank code and considered requiring
POS inspections, but the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee did not
support the measure.
South Dakota
Meade County requires POS inspections.
Tennessee
The Tennessee Residential Property Disclosure Law requiressellers to list any material
changes in the physical condition of the property, including the onsite system.
The state Department of Environment and Conservation handles onsite permits.
Texas
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality delegates authority to local
governments and approves courses to license onsite professionals. Registered site
evaluators also must be a licensed installer II, designated representative, or professional
engineer, sanitarian, or geo-scientist with a soil scientist discipline.
Utah
The onsite wastewater program from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality
certifies onsite professionals.
Vermont

9. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation advises annual inspections
of all onsite systems. Larger systems permitted by the department must undergo annual
inspections as a condition of the permit.
Virginia
The Virginia Administrative Code requires sellers to disclose if the house has an onsite
system, its components, and maintenance requirements. Inspectors must be certified
through the National Sanitation Foundation International or other nationally recognized
organization. Alterative systems must be inspected annually. Most counties required septic
tanks to be pumped every five years, but they do not require an inspection of the tank or
system components.
Onsite inspection requirements for real estate transfers vary by contract, frequently
generated from a contract template approved by the Virginia Association of Realtors. The
standard contract includes four assessment options, from a Walk-Over inspection to a full
system evaluation.
Washington
Seattle and King Counties require POS inspections. The Washington State Department
of Ecology recommends annual septic tank inspections with pumping as needed.
Homeowners are responsible for inspecting and maintaining their onsite systems either
through a professional or with proper training (Septics 201).
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is not considering a POS inspection
program.
The Wisconsin Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association developed the Private Onsite
Wastewater Treatment System Evaluator Course to standardize inspections throughout the
state. According to a 23 June 2014 email from Aaron Ausen, president, the association is
working to have the state and Realtors recognize the program.
Wyoming
Wyoming has no plans to revise its May 1984 Water Quality Rules and Regulations or to
adopt maintenance programs.
According to a 23 June 2014 email from Brian Mark, Program Principal in the Water
Quality Division, surface discharge is an option for all technologies, and a National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System permit is required to reduce the size of drainfields.
Local agencies license onsite wastewater professionals.
States with NAWT-Certified Inspectors
Alaska 2 Maryland 3
Arizona 306 Michigan 17
California 89 Tennessee 2
Colorado 147 Texas 102
Delaware 1 Utah 3

10. Florida 1 Vermont 1
Hawaii 2 Virginia 4
Illinois 2 Washington 1
Indiana 12 Wisconsin 2
Kansas 4 Wyoming 3
Kentucky 1