Household Sewage Treatment Systems

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Your household sewage and the waters they impact.

What is O&M?
In January 2015, the Ohio Department of Health adopted new rules regarding Home Sewage Treatment Systems (HSTS) in Ohio (Ohio Revised Code: 3718 and Ohio Administrative Code: Chapter 3701-29). These rules require each health department across the state to implement a local Operation and Maintenance (O&M) program to monitor and ensure the proper function of HSTS in their jurisdictions.

Lorain County Public Health (LCPH) works to protect people and the environment by making sure that HSTS work as designed - if HSTS don't work properly, they may negatively impact local watersheds by adding bacteria and pollution. LCPH is responsible for overseeing the proper maintenance of more than 18,000 HSTS many of which we have limited information about. All homeowners with a HSTS in Lorain County are required to have an O&M permit issued by LCPH. View permit conditions online.

Newly enrolled homeowners will receive an annual permit until 2027.
- The permit fee for 1 year is $40.
- The permit fee for 3 years is $120.

Grants and Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to help Lorain County homeowners to replace a failing HSTS, or to connect to an existing sanitary sewer and properly abandon their HSTS. This grant program is intended for systems that pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of occupants, the community, and the environment. Currently, no funding remains for the 2024 grant year; please check back beginning March 1, 2025.

Financial assistance may also be available for homeowners Operation & Maintenance (O&M) permit fees.

Grant and O&M funds are limited, time-sensitive, and available for homeowners who meet income requirements. Please contact our team at EH@loraincountyhealth.com or 440-322-6367 with questions about financial assistance.