Wastewaster Disposal Systems

Private Wastewater Disposal System Installation Requirements

Environmental Health oversees the construction of new private wastewater disposal systems and the repair of existing systems.  Installation of a private wastewater disposal system is a multi-step process as follows:

  1. Step 1
  2. Step 2
  3. Step 3
  4. Step 4

Step 1: Soil Profile Analysis

A completed Profile/Site Evaluation Application (pdf) and fee (pdf) must be submitted by the property owner or a licensed installer (pdf) to the Riley County Planning & Development Department to start the process. 

The property owner or licensed installer will be responsible for hiring a backhoe operator who will schedule the analysis on-site with the Environmental Health Specialist. It is recommended the homeowner and installer attend the meeting. The backhoe operator will dig profile holes, five (5) foot deep and three (3) foot wide, in designated locations in order to determine the best soil conditions. The properties of the soil, such as texture and structure, are analyzed as well as the depth of ground water, seasonal water table, and bedrock. Upon completion of the analysis, the profile holes are to be back filled by the backhoe operator. 

If the soil is not acceptable, a Wastewater Stabilization Pond (“lagoon”) will be required as described in Step 3.