The Lake County General Health District’s (LCGHD) Sewage Treatment System program monitors the proper treatment and disposal of all wastewater for household, small flow, and semi-public sewage treatment systems in an effort to protect surface and groundwater from contamination. The program also reviews, investigates, inspects, and regulates new sewage systems, replacement systems, and sewage system alterations.

A draft of sewage fees have been updated and adopted by the Board of Health of the Lake County General Health District on November 18, 2024, to become effective January 1, 2025.

Power Outages & Your Sewage Treatment System

Contractors

All individuals licensed with the State of Ohio and conducting activities in Lake County as a Sewage Installer, Sewage Service Provider, or Septage Hauler must register with LCGHD.  LCGHD is responsible for ensuring that these individuals are properly insured and bonded with the state of Ohio. All individuals conducting business as an Installer, Service Provider, and Hauler must obtain annual educational credits before registering with LCGHD.   For more information on contractor registration requirements, visit the Ohio Department of Health Registration Information page.

2024 Sewage Contractor Training Presentations

Electronic Plan Submission

Sewage treatment system plans can now be submitted electronically to LCGHD. Please see the list of reminders and proceed to the link below to submit your plans.

  • The plan review process will NOT start until our office has received ALL of the required necessary items
  • Please allow for up to 30 days to complete the plan review
  • Plans must be in PDF format
  • Application must be signed
  • Required plan review fee must be paid
  • Payment options include: Cash, Check or Credit Card*. VISA,  MasterCard, American Express & Discover accepted. Please call 440-350-2543 to pay over the phone using a credit card. *Please note there will be an additional 2.5% convenience fee added when using a credit card.

Submit your Sewage Treatment System Plan here.

DRAFT of Updated Fees Effective January 1, 2025

View the full resolution here.

LICENSE CATEGORYCurrent Local Late Fee ($)Proposed Local Late Fee ($)
SEMI-PUBLIC SEWAGE
Sewage Discharging,
<1,500 GPD $45.00		32.0011.25
SEMI-PUBLIC SEWAGE
Sewage Discharging,
1,500-4,999 GPD $213.00		32.0053.25
SEMI-PUBLIC SEWAGE
Sewage Discharging,
5,000-9,999 GPD $340.00		32.0085.00
SEMI-PUBLIC SEWAGE
Sewage Discharging,
10,000-25,000 GPD $675.00		32.00168.75
SEMI-PUBLIC SEWAGE
Sewage Non-Discharging,
$45.00		32.0011.25

If you have any questions, contact EH at (440) 350-2971.

Residential

Home Sewage Treatment Systems (HSTS)

If you need an inspection by LCGHD, please fill out the appropriate application form below, and feel free to contact us at (440) 350-2543 with any questions:

LCGHD works to ensure that all activities associated with sewage systems conducted in Lake County are in accordance with the state rules found here:

Currently registered sewage system contractors to assist with installation, repair, or service can be found in the following lists:

Soil Scientists Meeting the Criteria Established under Rule OAC 3701-29-07 to perform soil work in Ohio

Listing of Site Plan Preparers

For information about our household sewage treatment systems Operation & Maintenance Program, please visit our Operation & Maintenance Program page.

Additional Resources:

HSTS Manufacturer Links:

Financial Assistance – WPCLF Program

Financial Assistance for Sewage System Repair or Replacement

A limited amount of assistance funding is available to qualifying Lake County residents for repair or replacement of failing sewage treatment systems through the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) program administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The program may also fund abandonment of the sewage treatment system and connection to sanitary sewer where applicable.

Program Eligibility:

  • Applicant(s) must be the titled owner(s) and occupant(s) of the home serviced by the sewage system they are applying for assistance in repairing or replacing.
  • The sewage system must be determined to be failing by LCGHD.
  • Homeowner(s) must submit the application form with proof of total household income to LCGHD.

The grant will provide:

  • 100% of the total system improvement costs for eligible homeowners at or below the federal poverty level.
  • 85% of the cost for eligible homeowners between 100% – 200% of the poverty level with 15% homeowner match.
  • 50% of the cost for eligible homeowners between 200% – 300% of the poverty level with 50% homeowner match.

Poverty guidelines are available here.

Funding will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners who need assistance and believe they qualify for this program are encouraged to contact Chris Loxterman (cloxterman@lcghd.org) at (440) 350-2551 with any questions.

Commercial

Semi-Public & Small Flow Sewage Treatment Systems (SFOSTS)

Semi-Public sewage treatment systems are public or privately owned sewage systems typically servicing small businesses generating up to 25,000 gallons of waste water per day. Through a contract with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), LCGHD inspects and issues annual operation permits. If violations are found, they are reported to Ohio EPA for enforcement action.

LCGHD is also contracted through Ohio EPA to issue installation permits and conduct inspections for SFOSTS.  These systems treat up to 1,000 gallons of waste water per day and include soil absorption components. If violations are found, sanitarians work with the property owners to ensure that corrections are made to protect the public’s health and the environment.

Additional Resources: