Septic systems require regular maintenance and inspections. This voluntary program will help remind you when you need to have your septic system inspected.

Submit septic system maintenance Application

How It Works

Failed septic systems are costly to repair, pose a danger to public health, and are a significant source of water pollution. Seepage from inadequate or failing septic systems can contaminate both ground and surface waters affecting our drinking water and our lake water.

• Most septic systems consist of a septic tank and a drain field, and will work well for many years if properly maintained.
• All septic systems need to be inspected and to have the tank pumped out periodically.
• Most experts recommend an annual inspection and that the tank be pumped out every 3 to 5 years. High usage systems may require more frequent pumping.
• Many factors affect how rapidly a tank will fill up. The number of people in the household, laundry detergents, water softeners, and grease down the drain all accelerate the need for tank pumping.
• The use of garbage disposals is strongly discouraged.

The Jo Daviess County Health Department recommends that all homes have their tank pumped every 3-4 years (3 years is a legal requirement for rental homes). The program we have implemented recommends inspection/pumping every 4 years and is consistent with the County recommendation. The approximate annual cost for a 4-year inspection and tank pump by a licensed contractor currently runs about $50 per year. Going beyond the 4-year interval adds risk and saves very little cost.

As a homeowner it is your responsibility to maintain your septic system. The GTA Septic System Maintenance Program is designed to make it easy for you to do so:

• First, fill out the attached Septic System Maintenance Program Application.
• After your form is received and processed, the GTA office will notify you when it is time for your septic system to be serviced.
• When notified, you contact the contractor of your choice and have your system serviced. You should then forward a copy of the inspection report to the GTA so that your file can be updated.
• If you prefer, you may have the GTA select the contractor and schedule the work for you (an option on the attached form). When the work is completed you will receive a report on the status of your system, along with the contractor’s bill, and the GTA will receive a duplicate copy. This will allow the GTA to track septic system performance and notification.
• There may be an additional fee by the contractor to locate and expose the septic tank lid if it is buried.

We urge you to enroll in the voluntary program. We think it will help you as an individual homeowner, and will benefit the entire Galena Territory community as well.