{"id":4763,"date":"2024-01-09T15:36:49","date_gmt":"2024-01-09T21:36:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ntotank.com\/blog\/?p=4763"},"modified":"2024-01-15T20:39:32","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T02:39:32","slug":"arizona-septic-tank-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/arizona-septic-tank-requirements","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Septic Tank Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The state of Arizona is known for its diverse landscape characterized by sprawling deserts and vibrant communities. However, this landscape can present unique challenges for managing the wastewater of Arizona\u2019s residents. In areas outside main city centers and particularly in rural communities, there may not be access to a public sewer system and septic tanks become a necessity for healthy and sustainable waste disposal. This makes it vital to make sure a septic tank system works correctly and is installed to state regulations. In this guide, we will look at the Arizona septic tank requirements that residents, new home builders, and contractors must consider when it comes to septic systems in Arizona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arizona Septic Tank Regulations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ<\/a>) is the primary governmental department for septic tanks in the state of Arizona. The ADEQ enforces Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) R18-9-A314<\/a> that covers the state\u2019s regulations for on-site wastewater treatment facilities, commonly known as septic tank systems. The state\u2019s regulations and guidelines cover everything from system design and permitting to installation, maintenance, and inspections.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Can I Install My Own Septic Tank in Arizona<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can install your own septic tank in Arizona, but it is important to note that there are strict regulations to follow, forms to submit, permits to receive, and the process is work intensive, and will likely require research, learning, and digging machinery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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All septic installations must comply with the Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) R18-9-A314 for on-site wastewater treatment facilities. Homeowners must acquire a permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) or county health department, perform a soil evaluation, and aptly plan the system. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The installation process itself can be quite complex and demanding, involving careful planning and understanding of the system design. Therefore, while it is legal to install your own septic tank, many homeowners choose professional installation to ensure compliance with all regulations and the efficiency of the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always verify with the health department local to your county prior to beginning any work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arizona Septic Tank Definitions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For the case of permits and rule documents, in the state of Arizona, septic tank systems are often referred to as an on-site wastewater treatment facility. If guidance documents, rules, resources, permits, or other forms mention an on-site wastewater treatment facility, it is being used to mean a septic tank system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Permits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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In Arizona State, a permit must be obtained from the state government for a new septic tank installation, major modification, and may even be needed for extensive repairs. The type of permit and the governmental department that approves the permit may vary based on location and the type of septic system, either conventional or alternative. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In most cases, the local county health department will handle the permits needed for most conventional septic tank systems. For alternative systems such as aerobic or sand filter systems, the handling government body may be the ADEQ. The ADEQ provides a table<\/a> that summarizes the different systems, permits, and responsible department to contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For systems under ADEQ jurisdiction, the applicant must file what is known as a \u201cNotice of Intent to Construct\u201d form for an on-site wastewater treatment facility that meets Arizona\u2019s requirements. Following construction, a \u201cNotice of Intent to Discharge\u201d form must be completed. These forms can be found on the ADEQ website here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receiving a Permit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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To undergo the permitting process and receive a permit to install a septic tank, the property owner or contractor should contact the local health or environmental department for the county or visit their website. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The ADEQ says on their onsite wastewater page<\/a> under the section \u201cDelegated Authority\u201d that: \u201cWe delegate regulatory functions for onsite wastewater systems (septic tank systems) to county environmental and health departments. If seeking a permit for an onsite system, please apply to the county in which the property is located<\/em>\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note, only the party responsible for performing the installation may be required to file for a permit. If the homeowner is self-installing, they will have to undergo all the necessary requirements for permitting, inspection, and approval. In most cases, a licensed contractor is preferred over DIY as the amount of effort and personal costs are often not enough to offset the costs of hiring a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, and as already mentioned, this is true for conventional septic systems for residential properties that do not exceed 24,000 gallons per day of waste. Other scenarios and alternative systems may be handled by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and forms must be filed with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arizona Septic Tank Fees<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Several fees will likely be required and have to be paid in the process of planning, preparing, and installing a septic tank in Arizona. Information on what fees and their amounts is not readily available from the ADEQ. Fees may be assessed on a local level and may vary by jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

System Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Specific design parameters for the septic tank system must be met based on details around the local soil type, geology such as nearby aquifers, household size, fixture count, and wastewater flow. The AAC guidance document details minimum tank capacities, drain field sizing and types (conventional, alternative), and setback distances from wells, structures, and property lines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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For reference, most houses up to 3 bedrooms require a septic tank of at least 1,000 gallons, houses with 4 bedrooms 1,250 gallons, houses with 5 bedrooms require a septic tank of at least 1,500 gallons, and up. The number of water-using fixtures that tie into the septic tank also affects the required septic tank size. This information can be found in the AAC R18-9-A314 document<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Conventional septic tank systems typically consist of a septic tank, a leach field, and the piping that connects the system together and to the property. For more on how a septic tank system works, its parts, and more, see this document from Gila County Arizona<\/a>. To compare conventional and alternative septic systems, see our post on 5 Types of Septic Tank Systems<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Site Evaluation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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A site evaluation is used to determine the suitability of a conventional septic system on the intended property. During a site evaluation, factors such as soil conditions, soil absorption rates, subsurface characteristics, aboveground conditions, and setback requirements will be inspected, recorded, and evaluated in terms of the septic system to be installed. Arizona regulations require<\/a> either a registered professional engineer, geologist, sanitarian, or an appropriately licensed septic or plumbing contractor to perform the site evaluation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lot Location and Parcel Size<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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In Arizona, according to regulations, a residential lot intended for a septic tank must be unavailable or impractical to connect to an existing sewer system and must have sufficient land space to accommodate the septic system plus a reserve for a 100% expansion of the system<\/a>. A property with both a private well and a septic system must be one acre in size, minimum. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In the site evaluation example image, note the proposed septic tank system in blue with an additional reserve space north of the drainfield to accommodate a 100% expansion of the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Only state-approved installers, such as certified contractors and DIYers complying with all requirements, can perform the physical installation of a septic tank system. Installers must adhere to the approved design plans, any manufacturer guidelines such as for the septic tank, and follow best practices for construction and materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to septic tank types, we suggest polyethylene septic tanks<\/a>. They are lightweight, easy to move and install, durable, corrosion-free, and often cost less than concrete septic tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Regular septic maintenance includes pumping and cleaning filters, if present. Systems are recommended to be professionally pumped every 3-5 years to empty the tank of scum and solids to keep a conventional septic system working correctly and to prevent problems. Pumping may be required more frequently based on soil conditions and amount of use. It\u2019s also important to regularly inspect and clean baffles and filters to keep the effluent flowing and to prevent clogs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Additional Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alternative Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In areas that have unsuitable soil conditions or high groundwater levels, a conventional septic tank system may not be acceptable. The ADEQ approves alternative systems<\/a> like mound systems, evapotranspiration systems, aerobic systems, and composting toilets for specific situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial Assistance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Financial assistance programs may be available to help low-income households with the costs of installing or repairing a septic tank system. Contact the ADEQ or your local department to ask for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the state of Arizona is one of the thirteen service states for the Rural Community Assitance Corporation (RCAC). The RCAC provides grants and low-interest loans<\/a> to qualifying residents to assist in the purchase and installation of a new well or septic tank system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Real Estate Transactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Arizona state law requires a mandatory inspection<\/a> of the septic tank system prior to the sale or transfer of a property with an on-site wastewater system. This is required to ensure the system is functioning properly and to protect both the buyer and the seller from liability concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose National Tank Outlet for Your Septic Tank Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Navigating Arizona State’s septic tank requirements may seem complex, but understanding and complying with these regulations is important to safeguard both personal and public health as well as Arizona\u2019s natural environment. By choosing a qualified professional to undertake the design and installation of their septic tanks, Arizona residents can ensure their systems work right and continue to work right for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Managing wastewater and installing a septic tank in Arizona doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right information and the right partners, you can make sure installation and operation are efficient, compliant, environmentally friendly, and built to last. The National Tank Outlet offers a range of Arizona approved underground septic tanks<\/a> engineered for durability and compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our septic tanks are built from top-quality high-density polyethylene plastic and available from 750 gallons to massive 20,000 gallon units and are ready for installation. If you are a homeowner or contractor needing to purchase a septic tank in Arizona for a new installation, repair, or replacement, visit our store and save up to 10 to 50% MSRP on your next purchase with our lowest price guarantee or contact us today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Disclaimer: <\/strong>This guide is intended to provide general information and expectations around the installation and requirements of a septic tank and system in the state of Arizona and is not intended to substitute for professional advice or consultation from state departments or licensed professionals. The information provided is current and accurate to the best of our knowledge. For specific advice on your individual situation, please consult with an Arizona health or environmental department or a licensed septic tank professional.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The state of Arizona is known for its diverse landscape characterized by sprawling deserts and vibrant communities. However, this landscape can present unique challenges for managing the wastewater of Arizona\u2019s residents. In areas outside main city centers and particularly in rural communities, there may not be access to a public sewer system and septic tanks… [Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4767,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4763","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-septic-systems","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4763"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4763"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4763\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5042,"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4763\/revisions\/5042"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4767"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4763"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}