In determining if a property is suitable for a wastewater system, Summit County Health Department requires an onsite soil evaluation and a percolation test. Typically, a soil evaluation is done alongside the percolation test.
Percolation is the rate at which water will absorb into the soil. Water absorption must not be faster than one inch per minute or slower than one inch per hour for a conventional system. Alternative systems can be faster than 1 inch per minute and can go up to 1 inch per 2 hours.
– click here for the Perc Test Results Form.
A percolation test can be conducted by:
– Click here for perc test application
*Perc tests are unavailable from Nov. 27 – March 1. After March 1, 2020, perc tests will be conducted on a case by case basis depending on the location of the lot, weather conditions, temperatures, etc.
If the health department is not present for the test, the perc test results will be rejected. A list of certified percolation testers and septic tank installers in Summit County is available here: click here for Certified Percolation Testers and System Designers.
Ground Water Monitoring
High ground water levels exist throughout Summit County. If ground water is observed during the percolation test, The Health Inspector can require Ground Water Monitoring. This is accomplished by monitoring the water table during the season of peak ground water flow. Generally, in January through May, but may include summer months in areas that are influenced by flood irrigation.
Appeal Process for Failed Percolation Test
If the test fails, the homeowner can request additional percolation test. These will have to be 2 perc tests at opposite ends of the proposed drain field. If the homeowner wants to appeal, they can bring it to the Health Department and present it to the Director for review. If it is rejected, the homeowner can then take the test results to the Board of Health for appeal.
Health Department Septic Tank Permitting Policy
All proposed lots will require a percolation test.
The design process should proceed after the percolation test and soil suitability analysis. This assures that the system type and size is appropriate to your site.
All designs must be prepared in accordance with Utah Onsite Wastewater Rule, R317-4
The designer will require both the percolation rate, as well as the soil suitability.
Design plans must contain the following details:
Include the possibility of a finished basement; the system’s capacity is based on the number of bedrooms in the home, so if any future increase is anticipated, it should be recorded.
Click here to complete the Wastewater Permit Application.
Please ensure your application includes the following information:
****Permits are good for 1 year from issue date. It is possible to renew by paying a fee for $25. This ensures your design is up to standard with the current code.
Once plans have been submitted, your application will be approved or denied based on the design of your wastewater system.
Once the application is approved, you will receive your onsite wastewater permit. This permit will then be your wastewater documentation for your building permit.
If you have any questions on your application or the process, please call our office 435-336-3224.
We do not have certififed installers. Anybody can install the system as long as it is installed according to the approved plans and specifications.
Once the system is installed, but prior to backfilling the system, the health department will perform the final inspection. It is the responsibility of the installer/ property owner to contact the Health Department 48 hours prior to backfill to schedule the inspection. This ensures the system was installed in accordance to the approved plan and design and allows the health department to document the location of the system.
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Park City, UT 84060
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Coalville, UT 84017
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