Wood County, Wisconsin

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Sanitary Program

The regulatory framework for installing septic systems, holding tanks and other systems designed to handle domestic wastewater is provided by the Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code and Wood County #702 Private Sewage System Ordinance. Maintenance requirements vary based on the type of system that is installed and the individual household waste strength and volume. The Wood County Planning & Zoning Office is the County agency responsible for the regulation and inspection of septic systems as well as the issuance of sanitary permits and any code enforcement that may be required.

The Department of Planning and Zoning can be contacted at (715) 421-8466 with any questions regarding the sanitary program. Specific information on sanitary permits and maintenance is detailed below.

Sanitary Permit Information

The purpose of the sanitary permit is to allow installation, repair or alteration of the septic system as described on the approved permit application. The life expectancy of your septic system will be enhanced with knowledgeable soil testing, site specific design and quality installation. The soil and groundwater conditions reported on the soil test for the property form the basis for a sanitary permit application, as do any plans submitted along with the application.

The Private Onsite Waste Treatment Systems (POWTS) Inventory and Soils GIS map layers, for reference purposed only, can be found at Wood County Land Records Viewer.

Forms

Financial Assistance Program

The Wisconsin Fund Replacement or Rehabilitation Financial Assistance Program is a State-funded program which provides grants to homeowners and owners of small businesses that need to replace a failing private onsite wastewater treatment system.

Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department for other grant opportunities that may be available at (715) 421-8466.

Septic Maintenance

The purpose of the maintenance program is to maintain inspection and pumping information for all systems and to encourage proper system maintenance that contributes to protecting groundwater and surface water quality. Protecting your investment with good maintenance will ensure that you as owner can avoid costly repairs in the future. The most important reason to complete septic system maintenance is to keep your family and the environment safe by preventing harmful pathogens and bacteria from entering the water table or ground surface.