Online Application for Septic Related Services
NOTE: Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas. The online application form is not to be submitted for services requested in the following metropolitan or contact counties:
Blount County, Davidson County/Nashville, Hamilton County, Jefferson County, Knox County, Madison County, Sevier County, Shelby County, Williamson County
If you are in need of septic system services in any of these counties, please click on the county name for specific information for that jurisdiction. If you have any questions regarding the online application process, please contact the your local Environmental Field Office.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ONLINE APPLICATION ONLY WORKS WITH CHROME, FIREFOX, EDGE AND SAFARI WEB BROWSERS.
The application is NOT compatible with Internet Explorer. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Available Services:
A Conventional Septic System Permit is required for the installation of a conventional septic system (or approved substitute product) to serve a residence, retail or commercial building. Conventional septic systems can also serve accessory buildings such as a garage, shop or barn etc.
A septic system permit should always be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building including the building pad.
A Septic System Repair Permit is required before any work on a failing septic system is performed. The Division of Water Resources will design a repair for the failing septic system and will issue a septic system repair permit.
A Septic System Modification Permit is required if an existing septic system or issued septic system permit needs to be modified. Reasons for needing a modification permit can vary. Examples include increasing the number of bedrooms in an existing residence, construction of a pool/garage/shop/barn or any other construction that will impact a portion or all the existing septic system.
If a septic system permit has been issued and the system has not been installed, a modification permit will be required if:
- The number bedrooms in the planned residence changes or,
- The expected flow of a commercial or retail building changes or,
- Changes to the house or site plans will impact any portion of the area for the initial or duplicate septic systems as shown on the issued septic system permit.
A septic system permit should always be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building including the building pad.
An Alternative Septic System Permit is required for the installation of an alternative septic system (i.e., LPP, Mound, Oxidation Lagoon, ATS/SDD) to serve a residence, retail or commercial building. Alternative septic systems can also serve accessory buildings such as a garage, shop or barn etc. Alternative septic systems are typically used when soil or site conditions are not favorable for a conventional septic system. An extra-high intensity soils map must be submitted to the Division before staff can evaluate any property for an alternative septic system. The soils map must be created by a soils consultant licensed in TN.
A septic system permit should always be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building including the building pad.
A Subdivision Evaluation is required if you want to divide any tract or parcel of land into 2 or more lots, sites or other divisions for the purpose of immediate or future construction of houses, buildings, or other development where a septic system is or will be used.
A survey and soils map must be submitted to the Division before staff can perform a subdivision evaluation. The soils map must be created by a soils consultant licensed in TN.
A subdivision does not include the division of any tract or parcel of land into 2 or more tracts or parcels when all are 5 acres or larger in size.
Inspection Letters are letters provided by the Division of Water Resources that document the status of an existing septic system. Inspection Letters are routinely requested by the property owner, realtor, lending institution or property buyer when a property is being sold, a mortgage financed or for a subdivision plat approval.
Request the Division of Water Resources collect a water sample and have it tested for Total Coliform bacteria. Water samples are typically collected from the kitchen sink. Total Coliform water samples are routinely requested for real estate transactions.
Request the Division of Water Resources collect a water sample and have it tested for Fecal Coliform bacteria. Water samples are typically collected from the kitchen sink.
A Certificate of Verification is a self-certifying document, supplied by the Division of Water Resources, stating an existing septic system will be used to serve a new residence. A Certificate of Verification should only be applied for to obtain electric service to a new residence with an existing septic system.
If you need documentation from the Division of Water Resources of the status of an existing septic system to obtain a building permit, you should apply for an Inspection Letter.
On July 1, 1994, T.C.A. 68-221-414 became effective. This bill requires that before the electrical inspector can process a request for electrical service, he/she must be provided with written notification that the proposed house or establishment is served by a public sewer system, or, that a septic system permit has been applied for, or, that an existing septic system will be used.