Digging deep: How well & septic sanitarians protect drinking water, our environment, and our health

Private wells are a source of drinking water for many people. Septic systems treat waste when a municipal sewer system is not available. Our well and septic sanitarians work to make sure they're installed correctly and maintained properly. This protects your health. It also prevents bacteria that can make you sick from getting into our rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

 Our sanitarians regulate over 25,000 private septic systems and over 230  well systems that serve the public (like at parks) across Dane County. They're highly skilled and undergo years of education and training. 

What is a drinking well and why does safety matter?

Drinking wells serve homes and properties where there is no hookup to a municipal water supply. They pump water from underground aquifers beneath the property and have a protective lining. 

Wells are at risk for dangerous water contamination that can affect everyone's health, but most especially pregnant people and babies. Bacteria like E. coli and the chemical nitrate are two possible contaminants but check out this list to learn more.  

What is a septic system and what happens if it starts to fail?

Septic systems are structures that treat waste from a property that is not connected to a municipal sewer system. Septic systems use a tank and the soil in a drain field to filter and treat wastewater before it goes back to the groundwater.

So, what happens if a septic system starts to fail? 

• First, the gross part: Waste and dirty water can back up through your drains, toilets, and showers. 
• Next, the financial: You'll probably be required to replace it. 
• Lastly, the impact on our environment: Your wastewater can leak into the local groundwater and neighbors' drinking wells, making people and pets sick. It can also contaminate local rivers and lakes. 

How do sanitarians make sure wells and septic systems are correctly installed?

Wells

Part of the process when installing a well involves getting a permit from our department. Our sanitarians make sure that the well is in a good location. It should be a specific distance from possible sources of contamination which could include septic tanks, swimming pools, barns, and building drains. After reviewing the permit, our sanitarians inspect the drilled well to make sure it's properly sealed to prevent contamination. 

Septic systems

Before a septic system can be installed, our sanitarians work with private soil testers to decide what type of system is needed. They look for seasonal groundwater saturation, bedrock, and decide how much wastewater can be treated by certain types of soil at the property. They also review and issue a permit for the installation, making sure it meets codes and uses the right products. They inspect the system as it's being built and oversee the required inspections and maintenance of the system. 

Relationship-building is a big part of the job

Our sanitarians work with many professionals throughout their day, including plumbers, soil testers, well drillers, and staff from other agencies like the DNR. Relationship-building is important so that there is mutual trust. This ensures that professionals are comfortable asking questions and that the work they do meets all codes. Everyone works together to protect health, drinking water, and the environment.

Becoming a sanitarian is a lengthy, rigorous process

Becoming a Well and Septic Sanitarian is a lengthy training process. It includes learning about things like soil science, engineering and design of septic system components, well construction, operation, and abandonment, as well as various codes. Well and Septic Sanitarians are required to obtain credentials such as Wisconsin Certified Soil Tester credential, State of Wisconsin Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Inspector License, and Well Location Inspector Level I certification within six months of hire and to become a Registered Sanitarian within 5 years. 

Here's how to keep your well and septic system running smoothly

• Know your well and septic setup. Whether you just bought your property or have been living there for a while, it's important to know what kind of system you have and when it was built. You can look up your septic system records on our website or give us a call at (608) 242-6515.
• Keep up with regular maintenance and testing. 
  • Most septic systems require service every three years. Certain types of septic systems need service more frequently. This is to keep filters clean or make sure mechanical systems are working correctly. You can find more advice on our website. 
  • Test your well water every year for contaminants  including bacteria and nitrates. 
  • You should also test if you notice any change in taste, smell, or appearance, or after flooding . Visit our Drinking Water Testing page for testing information or call us at (608) 243-0357. We can recommend other tests depending on your well's location, age, etc.