Do Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities (OSWTFs) cause health or water quality problems?
OSWTFs that are properly planned, designed, sized, installed, operated and maintained can provide excellent wastewater treatment. However, systems that are sited in densities that exceed the treatment capacity of regional soils or are poorly designed, installed, operated, or maintained may cause problems. The most-documented problems involve contamination of surface and ground waters with disease-causing pathogens and nitrates.

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1. How do Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities (OSWTFs) work?
2. Why do Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities fail?
3. What items should not be put down the drain?
4. Do Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities (OSWTFs) cause health or water quality problems?
5. Can I apply for a permit to drill a well at the same time I apply for the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities (OSWTF) permit?
6. My neighbor’s OSWTF is located on my property. What do I do?
7. What is an alternative system?
8. What are the different types of alternative systems allowed in Maricopa County?
9. Do I have to hire an engineer to design my system and draft my plans?
10. Can I make changes after I have submitted the NOID packet?
11. Can I make changes to an approved plan?
12. Can I request a partial construction inspection?
13. What type of rock should I use in the trenches, beds, or pits?
14. What are the requirements for installing a septic tank?
15. What are the requirements for installing the distribution box?
16. What are the requirements for installing the disposal field?
17. My system is failing. What do I do?
18. Can I use the existing septic system for my new house?
19. When can you release my building permit?