Southwest District Health

Southwest District Health (SWDH), Environmental Health Services, regulates subsurface sewage disposal systems along with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ).

It is important for the developer/homeowner to contact SWDH at 455-5400 regarding the application/permitting process for a subsurface sewage disposal system, since a subsurface sewage permit is usually a pre-requisite to obtaining a building permit from the county.

An on-site evaluation must be conducted by SWDH prior to the issuance of a subsurface sewage disposal permit. The applicant must schedule a backhoe to have a ten (10) foot test hole dug at the time of the evaluation. If your property is located within a platted subdivision, SWDH may be able to issue a permit without an on-site evaluation. The easiest way to tell if your property is within a platted subdivision is to check your properties legal description, SWDH needs legal descriptions at the time of application. You may contact the county or refer to a tax notice to find your legal description.

Subsurface Sewage Disposal Application and Plot Plan (Adobe PDF files).

Fees:

New permit	$500.00
Enlargement permit	$350.00
Replacement Permit	$200.00
Tank only permit	$150.00
Septic permit renewal	$50.00

SWDH also conducts inspections on existing subsurface sewage systems. These are usually performed when an individual wishes to add to an existing structure or place a different structure on an existing system. These inspections are called "Accessory Use Approvals" and are usually a pre-requisite to obtaining a building permit from the county.

Accessory Use Approval Application and Plot Plan (Adobe PDF).

Fees: Planning and Zoning Permit $150.00

For further information you may contact your local SWDH office or review the Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules at the following web site: www.deq.state.id.us.

Related Links:

On-Site Wastewater Systems (Septic Systems); including system types, Individual, Central, Large Soil Absorption Systems and related links.
Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules
Technical Guidance Manual for Individual and Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems
Pressure Distribution Systems for Large Soil Absorption Systems and Central Systems Design Checklist
List of Approved Septic Tanks Manufactures
List of Licensed Septic Tank Pumpers
A guide to Community Septic Systems
A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems
Septic System Brochure
Aerobic Treatment Brochure

For further information you may contact your local SWDH office or review the Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules.