Septic systems and other onsite sewage disposal systems are regulated by the Department of Environmental Health, Land and Water Quality Division. Approximately 10% of the homes in San Diego County are connected to septic systems. The most common type of septic system found in San Diego County consists of a septic tank connected to leach lines. Other disposal methods include the use of vertical seepage pits, which can be found in coastal sedimentary watershed basins; and horizontal seepage pits, which are restricted to uniform, highly permeable soils, such as the desert. In all cases, the sewage effluent is discharged below the ground surface, and is digested by bacteria in unsaturated soil zones for treatment of the sewage underground. These systems are designed to operate in all weather conditions with minimal maintenance, other than periodic septic tank pumping to remove sludge from the septic tank.
Useful Information
Guidelines/Septic System Design Criteria
Groundwater Separation Requirements
Percolation Test Form
San Diego County Code - On-site Wastewater System Ordinance
EPA Homeowner's Guide to Septic System Maintenance
Land Use Program Professional Staff Listing
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