Frequently Asked Questions

Onsite systems are sometimes referred to as "septic systems." Onsite sewage systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where it is generated. One example is a septic tank and soil absorption system. Another example is a lagoon serving a single-family residence. Missouri's onsite sewage law coves systems with a daily flow of 3,000 gallons or less.

There is no grandfathering of systems in Callaway County.  If you have an existing system and no one is complaining, you will be fine until an inspection is required or someone files a complaint or you need to upgrade your system.  

There is no minimum lot size but for properties that are less than 2 acres (or lots that cannot meet certain setback requirements), we will require an engineered system to be designed.

There is a list of soil scientists that have expressed interest in working in Callaway County with the packet (see Onsite Single Home tab). If you have selected an installer, contact them. Many times they work with a soil scientist and will take care of the contact.

No, unless you have taken the state installer class and have passed and have your installer number.

As the system owner, you are responsible for its maintenance. If you don't take care of your system, it may not properly treat wastewater from your home or business. This could put your family's or neighbor's health at risk. Lack of maintenance could also lead to more costly repairs in the future. An engineered system requires a maintenance contract.

No. Although, if you have that type of system and it existed before January 1, 1996, it is exempt from inspection. You may not have to repair it unless there is a complaint from a neighbor or other affected person. However, your system could post a threat to the health of your family and community and to the environment. You should consider upgrading your sewage system if it discharges on the ground surface. If it discharges to a road ditch, it is leaving your property, which is an illegal discharge.

Unless you make major changes to the existing system, no permit is required to connect a new home. However, if the system is too small or poorly constructed it may not work right. If it fails, discharges onto the ground surface, or creates a nuisance or health hazard, and an affected person complains, you will be required to bring the system up to standards. Many lending institutes require a septic inspection prior to closing. If the system fails, it will have to be brought up to current code before the lending institute will allow the sale to finalize.

No. However, if a lender or buyer requests an inspection/evaluation, it must be conducted by a licensed individual.

Several factors should be considered when choosing the type of onsite system for a site including:  soil/site limitations, available space, operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements, initial as well as O&M costs, landscape disturbance, and the owners' preferences and ability to manage the system. Of these considerations, often the most limiting is the soil resource or site and space limitations. Your regulating authority can help guide you through this process.

Yes, Callaway  County has no acre limitation (like the state). We permit all onsite installations and modifications of most changes. Contact our office to ensure you are compliant. A permit is good for one year from the date of purchase.

Currently the cost is $250.00. This includes initiating the addressing process if needed. We also inspect all work before covering up , creating a detailed drawing with GPS locations of important aspects of the system.

Although sewage tanks are generally buried, over time the chance of the tank or an access lid collapsing increases making it a safety hazard. Also, if a tank is abandoned in a careless manner, it could be a health hazard. If the tank is to be abandoned when a replacement system is installed or when a connection is made to a central sewer, check and follow requirements of the design if any. Septic tanks to be abandoned should be part of the contract with the installer and should first have the sewage tank emptied of all sewage waste. This should be done by a professional waste hauling company that disposes of the waste at a permitted land application site or wastewater treatment facility. You have some options from there:

1. You can have the sewage tank crushed in place and then backfill the area; 

2. You can have the empty tank completely filled with sand or gravel, remove the risers, cover openings and then backfill the area;

3. You can have the empty tank removed from the property and disposed at a landfill provided the landfill can accept it, and then backfill the area. After backfilling, grade the area to shed water and seed with grass.

SEPTIC DO’S AND DON’TS

What to flush

The 3 “P’s”

Pee

Poop 

(toilet) Paper

What not to Flush

Disposable wipes “flushable”, they are not!

Baby wipes

Tampons/applicators

Condoms

Grease 

Q-Tips

Disposable lighters

Paper towels/tissues

Cotton Pads

Diapers

Dental Floss

Cigarette Butts

Cat Litter

Hair

Band-Aids

Plaster

Cement

Pesticides

Paint

Bleach

Coffee Grounds

Food Products

Needles/Syringes

Medicines