On-Site Sewage Management Systems
Determining your type of sewage disposal
Homes or businesses treat the sewage that is generated either on-site through an On-Site Sewage Management System (OSSMS) or off-site through the public sewer system. If you are unsure as to which method your sewage is treated, you can reference your water bill:
- Water and sewer charges - if your bill has both water and sewer charges specified, then you are utilizing both the public water and sewer infrastructure and do not utilize on-site wastewater disposal
- Water only - if your bill only has water usage charges, then the Clayton County Water Authority provides fresh water, but all sewage generated by the facility is processed on-site. Therefore, this portion of the site will benefit you.
- Stormwater only - if you only receive a quarterly bill from the Clayton County Water Authority, which is for stormwater infrastructure maintenance, then you have both a well for fresh water and the sewage generated by the facility is processed on-site. This portion of the site will be of great benefit to you.
If you do not have an old bill handy, you can simply contact the Clayton County Water Authority at: (770) 961-2130 to determine what services they provide to your property.
Overview of OSSMS components
- Septic Tank - provides storage for all solids and primary treatment of the sewage
- Absorption Field - provides secondary treatment of the septage effluent by dispersing it underground to filter through the soil.
Finding a Contractor
Any contractor which installs, repairs, or services any component of an OSSMS must be certified to do so, and should be able to readily provide written documentation stating such. Each contractor should be certified through the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR). DHR divides contractors into two (2) different categories:
- DHR Certified Installers
(http://health.state.ga.us/pdfs/environmental/LandUse/contractors/certified/installers.pdf ) who are certified to install septic tanks, absorption fields, and other system components. - DHR Certified Pumpers
(http://health.state.ga.us/pdfs/environmental/LandUse/Contractors/Certified/Pumpers.pdf) who are certified to service and pump septic tanks.
There are some individuals or companies that provide both services, but this is not always the case. Our office recommends that the client has a clear understanding of exactly what services the contractor is to perform and the cost to perform those services prior to beginning any work.
If you have any questions, or wish to obtain inspection records or educational brochures, please contact our office at: (678) 610-7199.
Items to never intentionally introduce into your septic tank
Pouring down a drain, or flushing down a commode, any of the following could cause hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage to your OSSMS:
- Cooking oil, fat, or grease
- Coffee grounds
- Industrial cleaners
- Paint or solvents
- Paper towels
- Anything plastic
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cigarette butts
- Condoms
- Expired medications (especially antibiotics)
- Large amounts of cleaning products
- Automobile fluids such as: gas, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, etc.
Clayton County Board of Health
Environmental Health
1117 Battlecreek Road, Jonesboro, GA 30236
Phone: (678) 610-7199
Fax: (770) 603-4874