On-Site Septic Service Providers

People who do the following, must be certified by Grant County Health District (GCHD) before they can do work in Grant County:

  • Install on-site septic systems (OSS) 
  • Pump septage
  • Inspect OSS

OSS Designer or Professional Engineers who design septic systems must be licensed by the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

You should always check the certifications or licenses of people you are considering hiring to do OSS work.

All certifications issued by GCHD expire on December 31st of each year and must be renewed annually. Renewal applications and invoices are mailed out in late November.

New On-Site Septic Ordinance

 In 2024, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) finalized the update of WAC 246-272A. This statewide rule regulates the location, design, installation, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of OSS. When the statewide rule was updated, GCHD began the process of updating our local ordinance.  The new GCHD ordinance will go into effect on February 1, 2025 with some changes taking effect on April 1, 2025. Please see our OSS main page for more information.

Certified On-Site Septic Installers

Most septic systems must be installed by a certified on-site septic (OSS) installer.  OSS installers must get approval from Grant County Health District (GCHD)  before providing services within Grant County. 

To become a certified OSS Installer: 

  • Take the GCHD Installer Exam at our office.  You can call 509-766-7960 to make an appointment. The exam is closed book and study materials are in the Quick Links section below. You must pass the exam with a score of 80% to apply for certification. If you have a current certification in another Washington State county, you do not need to take the GCHD exam.
  • Fill out an OSS Installer Application and turn it in with payment.
  • Include proof of a valid Washington State contractor’s license. The Washington State contractor’s license must be valid and in a non-suspended status at all times to perform services related to GCHD’s certification.

Installers who have not renewed their certification in 2 years or more must retake the GCHD Installer Exam and apply for a new certification. 

Certified Septage Pumpers

Septage pumpers must get approval from Grant County Health District (GCHD)  before providing services within Grant County.

Every pumper must have an approved disposal plan and anyone who land applies septage must have a plan for septage disposal when the ground is frozen.


Certified Septic Maintenance Service Providers

A septic maintenance service provider inspects an OSS to determine it is functioning correctly, if there are maintenance needs and if it is in compliance with state and local regulations. Beginning February 1, 2025, septic maintenance service providers must obtain approval from the local health officer before providing services including conducting on-site septic inspections. Septic Maintenance Service providers must have demonstrated knowledge of on-site septic systems.

Beginning January 1, 2026,  septic maintenance service providers show proof of passing the Washington On-Site Sewage Association (WOSSA) O&M Level 2 (Specialist) exam.  The Health Officer may issue a septic maintenance service provider certification to a licensed WA OSS Designer or Professional Engineer (PE) with demonstrated knowledge and experience of OSS.