Septic Systems/POWTS

Activities relating to the installation or repair of septic systems requires the owner of the property to obtain a Washington County Sanitary Permit. A Master Plumber or Master Plumber-Restricted Sewer is the responsible party for obtaining the permit, and the installation and/or repair of the system. In order to apply for a sanitary permit submit an application, site plan, a site evaluation and a system design. For certain POWTS, state approval is needed before applying for the County sanitary permit. A Washington County Land Use Inspector will ensure that the POWTS is installed in compliance with state codes through a series of inspections.

Private On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Search - The POWTS search and reporting application provides information and scanned images of system designs and site layouts regarding the POWTS installed in Washington County and a method for licensed plumbers to file pumping/inspection reports electronically.  If you are a state licensed septic service provider, please log into the website to report the sanitary service maintenance performed.

Want to Apply for a Permit?

Use our online permit application program to apply for Sanitary Permits. For online instructions click here:  POWTS

• permitapp.washcowisco.gov

If you are not able to use our online permit application, click on the specific application forms and details.

Washington County Code 190

Permit Application & Fees:

• Sanitary Permit Application (pdf) 
• County Plan Review Application (pdf) Used Only for County Review - Applies for Mounds, At Grade and In-Ground Pressure Systems
• Holding Tank Service Contract (pdf)
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• POWTS Agreement for Pretreatment Devices (pdf) -Record at Register of Deeds
• POWTS Management Form for In-Ground Gravity and Non-Pressurized Dosed Absorption Systems Form (pdf)
  
• POWTS Management Form for Mound, At-Grade, In-Ground Pressure Systems Form (pdf)
  
• POWTS Management Form for Holding Tank System Form (pdf)
• Minor Repair Application (pdf) PDF - Opens in New Window
• 2024-2025 Sanitary Fee (pdf)
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• Washington County, WI - GIS Interactive Maps & Data Application
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• Washington County, WI - Ordinances
• POWTS Installers (pdf)
• System Maintenance Providers (pdf)
• POWTS Designers, Engineers & Surveyors (pdf)
• Certified Soil Testers (pdf)
• POWTS Poster (pdf)