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Water and Waste
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Durham County Health Department
Environmental Health
Onsite Water Protection |
Permit applications for services provided by the Environmental Health Division may be downloaded from this website. These applications may be obtained by either clicking on the Application link page, or via the specific application links for the service desired as described below or within this site.
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Onsite Water Protection /Alternative On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems |
| Description: |
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The Environmental Health Division oversees the monitoring of alternative on-site wastewater systems. These include pumped conventional, pressure manifold, and low-pressure pipe (LPP) septic tank systems installed or repaired after July 1, 1992. These systems have management and maintenance requirements outlined in Section .1961 of the North Carolina State rules. For pumped conventional and pressure manifold systems, an evaluation of the system by the Health Department is required every five years. Low-pressure pipe systems are required to have a certified operator manage the system every six months and the Division conducts an evaluation of the system every three years. The Division notifies homeowners regarding the timing for the inspections and permission is sought to access the system. A contract between the homeowner and an operator for the six-month inspections of low-pressure pipe systems is required for the lifetime of the system. For more information, contact the Environmental Health |
| Eligibility: |
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Durham County residents |
| Fees: |
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Follow applicable fee schedule |
| Access: |
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Durham County Health Department, 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday |
| Appointment: |
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May be scheduled on an individual basis as needed |
| Contact: |
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560-7800 |
| Service: |
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Onsite Water Protection/Bacteriological Water Samples |
| Description: |
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The Environmental Health Staff obtains water samples for bacteriological analysis of private/domestic wells. These water samples are analyzed for indicator organisms, fecal and total coliforms, which could determine the quality of the water source in question, and whether or not it is potentially contaminated and safe for consumption. Sampling can also be done to determine inorganic materials, petroleum products, and pesticide contaminants. Further sampling to determine sulfur bacteria is also available. |
| Eligibility: |
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Durham County residents |
| Fees: |
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See Fee Schedule |
| Access: |
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Durham County Health Department, 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday |
| Appointment: |
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Must be scheduled on an individual basis |
| Contact: |
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560-7800 |
| Service: |
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Onsite Water Protection/Pool Plan Review & Permitting |
| Description: |
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The Division is responsible for plan review of proposed public swimming pools, spas, and wading pools. Plan review requires an application and there is a plan review fee. By definition public pools include pools at apartment complexes, lodging facilities, swim clubs, schools, health clubs, etc. These plans are reviewed for compliance with applicable regulations and must be approved by the Division before construction. Once constructed, public pools are routinely inspected for compliance with health, safety, and operational and maintenance requirements. A permit to operate a public pool is required and is to be posted at the pool. The permit is renewed annually by the pool operator. Any questions or complaints regarding the safety, health or operation of a public swimming pool, spa, or wading pool should be directed to the Division.
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| Eligibility: |
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Durham County residents and pool proprietors |
| Fees: |
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Follow applicable fee schedule attached |
| Access: |
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Durham County Health Department, 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday |
| Appointment: |
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May be scheduled on an individual basis as needed |
| Contact: |
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560-7800 |
| Service: |
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Onsite Water Protection/Private Sewage Disposal Complaints |
| Description: |
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Failing septic tank systems could potentially pose significant public health hazards. Environmental Health conducts nuisance complaint investigations upon request. |
| Eligibility: |
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Durham County residents |
| Fees: |
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None |
| Access: |
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Durham County Health Department, 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday |
| Appointment: |
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May be scheduled on an individual basis as needed |
| Contact: |
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560-7800 |
| Service: |
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Onsite Water Protection/Rodent or Garbage Complaints |
| Description: |
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The Onsite Water Protection Section is responsible for nuisance complaint investigations involving rodent control and garbage problems, both of which could potentially be public health hazards. Complaint investigation are limited to the outdoor areasof private residences and establishments. |
| Eligibility: |
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Durham County residents |
| Fees: |
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None |
| Access: |
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Durham County Health Department, 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday |
| Appointment: |
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Appointments are scheduled on an individual basis |
| Contact: |
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560-7800 |
| Service: |
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Onsite Water Protection/Septic System Permitting |
| Description: |
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Before obtaining a building permit for a proposed residence in a county area not serviced by municipal sewer, the property owner must fill out an application for an improvement permit at the Health Department. Along with the application, a fee must be paid and a plat of the lot submitted. When all corners and property lines are clearly identified in the field, the Environmental Health Specialist will make a site evaluation based on the following factors:
1. Topography and landscape position
2. Soil characteristics
3. Soil wetness
4. Soil depth
5. Restrictive horizons
6. Available space
If the site is approved, an improvement permit is issued identifying house location, number of bedrooms allowed, type of sewage system, and the location of the private water supply (well). The improvement permit is used to obtain a building permit at the County/City Inspection Department. If the site is deemed unsuitable by the Registered Environmental Health Specialist, the property owner has the opportunity to appeal the decision. For more information, feel free to contact the Division.
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| Eligibility: |
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Durham County residents |
| Fees: |
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Are variable dependent upon lot size, follow applicable fee schedule for clarification |
| Access: |
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Durham County Health Department, 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday |
| Appointment: |
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Appointments may be scheduled with an Environmental Health Specialist |
| Contact: |
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560-7800 |
| Service: |
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Onsite Water Protection/Septic System Reconnects |
| Description: |
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To obtain a permit to reconnect to an existing on-site sewage system, the property owner must submit an application for an improvements permit (for reconnection only), along with a plat to the Division. All property lines and corners must be clearly marked. The location of the new residence must be approved by the Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Confirmation that the existing system is not malfunctioning is obtained, and if necessary, the septic tanks are brought to current standards. Reconnections are intended only for an equal number of bedrooms. Bedroom additions are treated as new site and soil evaluations with applicable fees. For more information, contact the Environmental Health Division.
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| Eligibility: |
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Durham County residents |
| Fees: |
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Follow applicable fee schedule |
| Access: |
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Durham County Health Department, 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday |
| Appointment: |
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May be scheduled on an individual basis as needed |
| Contact: |
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560-7800 |
| Service: |
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Onsite Water Protection/Private Well Permits |
| Description: |
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Environmental Health Specialist will determine the well site on a lot on applicable setback/distance requirements. If a lot has been approved for on-site sewage disposal, a well permit may have neen issued in conjunction with the septic system improvement permit. After drilling, the well driller will contact the Division for grouting inspections. The well must be chlorinated, a well tag and a well log must be submitted to the Division. The well head must extend a minimum of 12 inches above the grade and it must be finished to current standards. Other specifics shall be approved by the Environmental Health Specialist. For more specific information, feel free to contact the Division.
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| Eligibility: |
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Durham County residents |
| Fees: |
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Follow applicable fee schedule |
| Access: |
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Durham County Health Department, 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday |
| Appointment: |
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Must be scheduled on an individual basis |
| Contact: |
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560-7800 |
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