Progress Indicators
On-site sewage system inventory: known systems
Basics
Puget Sound Indicator Name
On-site sewage system inventory: known systems
Progress Indicator
Each Unit (count)
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Topics
On-site Sewage Systems
No Reporter Selected
Contributing Partners
Last Updated
05/28/2025 16:35:36
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Related Ongoing Programs
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Description

This indicator tracks the number of small on-site sewage systems identified and inventoried with their local health jurisdiction. On-site sewage systems are common and critical wastewater infrastructure in Puget Sound; inventorying and properly managing them is an important step to preventing negative environmental and public health impacts. This indicator can help us track on-site sewage systems in Puget Sound, supporting the proper management of these systems over time. 

Progress Indicator Chart

In Puget Sound, fecal pollution impacts water quality, harvest ability and food safety of shellfish, and presence of viruses in swimming areas. Local health jurisdictions across the Puget Sound region work to educate and provide technical assistance to homeowners with onsite septic systems to prevent pollution concerns before they arise. 

This Progress Indicator tracks the number of inventoried on-site sewage systems (OSS). An OSS is inventoried if there is a record of its existence (permit, pump-out record, inspection report, etc.) on file with the respective local health jurisdiction. The data collected for this Progress Indicator illustrate progress in documenting OSS with relevant health departments to ensure proper and safe operation and maintenance of OSS. Without documentation, it is harder for local health jurisdictions and homeowners to properly maintain and manage OSS.  

This Progress Indicator is in development. 

Key Progress Indicator Results

This Progress Indicator is currently under development. 

Methods
Monitoring Program

County Local Health Jurisdictions

Data Source

Local Health Jurisdiction routine biannual reporting to Washington Department of Health. 

Critical Definitions

Inventoried Onsite Sewage System: classification of a parcel with a property or structure that has a septic system and whose septic system is documented with the local health jurisdiction. 

Interpretation of Results
Datasets

No datasets uploaded.

Reporting Guidance
Reporting Instructions
Subcategories

No Subcategories for this Puget Sound Indicator.