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On-Site Wastewater Management

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1. I haven't done anything with my septic system in over 20 years and haven't had any problems. Why do we need this program?

You could be polluting your well water and groundwater even though you don't have any obvious signs of failure, such as wastewater backups or surface ponding. If your system undergoes normal use and the tank or cesspool never needs pumping, chances are waste is getting into the groundwater without proper treatment. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

2. Soil is a natural filter. Wouldn't harmful pollutants be filtered out before reaching a well?

This was the thinking when septic system standards were first adopted in 1970. Research has since shown that bacteria and viruses can travel much further than initially thought, especially in the sandy soils typical of South Kingstown.

Even properly functioning septic systems don't remove nitrogen, which can contaminate drinking water and overfertilize coastal waters.

Relying on groundwater to dilute pollution may have worked when South Kingstown was rural. The Town has grown rapidly and most new development is not sewered, increasing the risk of contamination from septic systems. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

3. Regulating septic systems is the State's job. Why should the Town adopt stronger standards than the State?

The State sets minimum standards for siting, design and construction of septic systems. Towns are responsible for ensuring systems are maintained. The State encourages municipalities to establish stronger standards to protect local water resources. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

4. Why do I need an inspection? I already have my system pumped on a regular basis.

First, an inspection may in fact reveal that you don't need to pump as regularly as you do. However, frequent pumping may be a sign that a system is substandard or failing. Regular inspections provide an ounce of prevention. You might be able to catch a minor problem before it grows into a major repair.

If you have a good system, regular inspections (every 3 - 5 years) will protect you from having to make unnecessary improvements or from pumping more often than you need to. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

5. What's involved in an inspection?

An Inspector will locate and describe the type of system, interview the homeowner about the amount of use it receives, check the site for signs of failure, look for obvious leaks or broken pipes, and measure solids buildup in the tank. If pumping is required, a more thorough inspection of the tank can be done. The inspector will submit a report to the Town and the homeowner, stating required maintenance and the date for the next inspection.

The inspector will follow procedures set out in the RIDEM Inspection Handbook. It sets fair, consistent procedures for all. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

6. How can I choose a qualified inspector and how can I be sure the inspection is performed properly?

The Town will keep a list of licensed inspectors and you should feel free to ask the inspector for references. All inspectors must follow standard Department of Environmental Management procedures. If you have reason to believe an inspector is not performing the inspection properly or is filing improper reports, you should notify the Town's Onsite Wastewater Specialist. Town staff will investigate and respond appropriately.

Before hiring an inspector, homeowners may contact the Onsite Wastewater Specialist to learn if the Town has issued the inspector warnings or violations. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

7. Do I need to have the tank pumped at the first inspection?

If you have a cesspool or older system installed before 1970, a pump out is required. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

8. How often do I need to pump?

The inspector will recommend an inspection and pump out schedule based on inspection results, taking into account system age, tank size, household occupancy and solids accumulation since the system was last pumped. For example, a small family with a standard system may only have to pump every 3 - 5 years. However, a substandard system or one that receives heavy use, such as a summer rental home, may have to be pumped annually. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

9. Why not just pump on a set schedule such as every three years?

Regular inspection with maintenance only as needed is technically sound, can avoid unnecessary expense and is more fair than mandatory pumping by a pre-set schedule. For instance, homeowners who use their system lightly or have invested in a larger tank may need to pump less often than every 3 years. Homeowners with an undersized system, heavy water users, and those using garbage disposal units may have to pump more often. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

10. I have a 1970s conventional septic system with a small tank and older-style "bed" drainfield that I've been told doesn't meet today's standards. Will I be required to replace my system?

The priority is to upgrade serious failures that are an immediate threat and phase out cesspools. If a system is functioning, replacement would probably not be necessary, but more frequent pumping may be needed. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

11. How much time do I have to replace my cesspool?

Cesspools must be replaced within five years from the first required inspection in your area (not from the time the ordinances was approved) or within 1 year of house sale, whichever comes first. Cesspools with serious failures will need to be replaced within 18 months from the date of Notice of Violation. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

12. I have a very small lot and have been told that I can't replace my cesspool because no septic system will work there. What should I do?

New technologies are now available that can provide a high degree of wastewater treatment on even the smallest, most difficult lots. You can obtain technical assistance in selecting the best repair solution for your property from the URI Cooperative Extension. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

13. Replacing a septic system can be a major expense. Is the Town going to help pay for this?

The Town is offering town residents a low interest loan program (currently at a 2% interest rate) for septic system improvements. Find more information on the low interest loan program.

14. Why should I let anyone on my property?

Routine inspections are the norm for various home systems. For example, homeowners typically have maintenance contracts for oil burners. The wastewater treatment system is just another home utility that must be maintained to extend its useful life. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

15. What if the pumping schedule recommended by the Inspector is off?

The Town's Onsite Wastewater Specialist will review the inspector's recommendation for pumping frequency and make the final decision. In addition, the pumping schedule will be adjusted as needed with each inspection. For example, if the scheduled inspection finds less solids accumulation than expected, less frequent inspections will be recommended. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

16. What's the difference between the first inspection and others?

At the "First Maintenance Inspection," the inspector locates the tank and other system components and gathers information about its condition and its use. The purpose is to:
-Determine need for system upgrade or replacement
-Obtain baseline information about the system
-Set a routine maintenance schedule

Older tanks (installed prior to 1970) and cesspools are pumped at the time of inspection to evaluate system condition.

The "Routine Maintenance Inspection" is simply the regularly scheduled system check-up that follows the first inspection. Routine inspections mostly measure solids build up to determine the need for pump-out and other maintenance. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

17. What are access risers?

The septic tank has manhole covers for inspection and pump-out, but the tank is generally buried. Simply finding the tank and digging up the lawn to reach the manholes (which can be 3 - 4 feet down), is a lot of work. Homeowners can find and dig up the system themselves or pay extra to have the septic system inspector do it.

Access risers are vertical tubes with tight fitting fiberglass or concrete covers at or near the ground surface. These fit over the tank manholes or inspection ports. To inspect the tank, the access riser lid is simply unscrewed and removed, providing ready access to the tank below.

Since on-going future inspections and pumpings will be required, homeowners may want to consider installing risers (if they do not already exist) to avoid digging up the tank for each future inspection or pumping. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

18. Are access risers required?

Only for new tanks installed for new construction or repairs, in keeping with DEM standards. For existing functioning tanks, they are optional, but highly recommended as a way to simplify routine inspection and maintenance. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.

19. What are effluent filters and do I need one?

An effluent filter is a low-cost screen that fits inside the outlet pipe (tee) in the tank and traps solids in the tank, protecting the drainfield. They are not required, but highly recommended as a simple, low-cost extra level of protection to the drainfield. Please call 401-789-9331, ext. 2250 for more information.