Septic Operations and Maintenance Policy Updates
As part of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety within our community, we want to inform you about changes to your septic system’s operational certificate. The changes will be implemented as your operational certificate is renewed…
After starting January 1, 2026,
Glendon® Biofilter Septic Systems
- All Glendon® Biofilter On-Site Sewage Systems are required to be inspected by a Glendon® -certified septic professional.
- Glendon® systems cannot be inspected by certified homeowner self-inspectors
- Glendon® systems renewal of operational certificates is changing from every three years to an annual renewal.
Certified Self-Inspector
- Before becoming a self-inspector, the Department requires a septic inspection to be completed by a Thurston County certified septic professional any time after the installation.
- A certified septic professional must also conduct an inspection at least once every nine years in place of a self-inspection by the self-inspector.
Holding Tank
- Holding tank septic system renewal of operational certificates is changing from every three years to an annual renewal.
Why are there changes?
The changes are required due to recent updates in Washington State law (WAC 246-272A) and Thurston County (Article IV) Sanitary Code and policies
- (E) Obtain an inspection, as required in WAC 246-272A-0260(5), by a maintenance service provider authorized by the local health officer of all OSS and property to determine functionality, maintenance needs and compliance with this chapter and local rules, and any permits:
- (i) At least once every three years, unless more frequent inspections are specified by the local health officer, for all OSS consisting solely of a sewage tank and gravity SSAS (subsurface soil absorption system)
- (ii) Annually for all other OSS unless more frequent inspections are specified by the local health officer
County policies require that proprietary devices are inspected by professionals with training on that device (CMS with additional training required for all proprietary devices). The Glendon® manufacturer’s warranty requires all maintenance on Glendon systems, including the control panel must be accomplished only by a Glendon® licensed installer or Glendon® Certified Monitoring Specialist. List of Glendon septic professionals can be found on our website.
Glendon® only provides maintenance and installation information to companies who they certify, so we couldn’t guarantee a company who is not certified will fully understand the system. Glendon® system's higher level of treatment allows them to be installed closer to surface or ground water, this means they are a higher risk for water contamination and making people and pets sick if they fail.
Approximately 20% of Glendon systems inspection and/or pumping reports submitted to the County have identified deficiencies, which may include reports of surfacing sewage; drainfield ponding; wet spots; tank levels high or low, broken or missing septic pipe, component, lids, or tops; sewage backing into residence; broken/faulty pump; cracked tanks; unable to inspect all components etc.
This change will help protect public health because septic systems that aren't working properly can affect our community’s drinking water and the long-term health of our lakes, rivers, streams, and Puget Sound.
Financial Assistance:
- Craft3 - Loan/Grant Funding
- Riser Rebate (TC)
- Critical Home Repairs - Repayment/Loan Program (South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity)
- Homeowner Maintenance Grant (TC)
- Tank Pumping Coupon (TC)
- Rural Housing Repairs - Loan/Grant Funding (USDA)
Contact Us
Contact our Environmental Health Division at 360-867-2626 or email us at environmental_health@co.thurston.wa.us if you have additional questions.