State aerobic septic mandate lookup
Does your state require an aerobic maintenance contract, a set inspection schedule and reports to a regulator? A 50-state summary with the rule or agency source for each row. Texas and North Carolina are checked against the rule text; other states were last reviewed Sep 26, 2026, so verify locally.
50 states; District of Columbia not covered.
Alabama
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- None found
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Alaska
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- Agreement at approval to operate only
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Arizona
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- No; generic owner O&M duties
- Inspection frequency
- Transfer inspection within 6 months before sale (R18-9-A316)
- Reports go to
- Buyer files Notice of Transfer within 15 days
- Filing
- Annual report only for 3,000-24,000 gpd systems
Arkansas
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Service contract (1993 manual; current status unclear); 2024 Monitoring Program (§12)
- Inspection frequency
- Unknown
- Reports go to
- ADH (unconfirmed)
- Filing
- Mail-based certified monitoring paperwork
California
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- None statewide; county LAMP-dependent
- Inspection frequency
- Sonoma: 2x/yr self-monitoring
- Reports go to
- County (e.g., Permit Sonoma)
- Filing
- Pre-filled forms; provider may file for owner; annual permit renewal
Colorado
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Yes, active contract at all times (higher-level treatment); copy within 30 days of renewal
- Inspection frequency
- 2 at 6-month intervals in year 1, then annual
- Reports go to
- Local public health agency
- Filing
- County-specific (Jefferson County: findings to health dept., 7-day termination notice); some counties have no program
Connecticut
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Via DEEP individual permits; DPH advanced-system rules in draft
- Inspection frequency
- Draft: annual or semiannual
- Reports go to
- DEEP (permit conditions)
- Filing
- None found
Delaware
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Not confirmed; contract satisfies transfer inspection
- Inspection frequency
- At property transfer
- Reports go to
- DNREC
- Filing
- Class H form within 72 hours
Florida
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Yes, life of system (2-yr initial, then ≥1-yr renewals); certified homeowner option
- Inspection frequency
- 2x/yr residential; 4x/yr commercial
- Reports go to
- County DOH offices acting for DEP
- Filing
- List of units serviced due by the 15th of the month after each semiannual period; format set by county; biennial DEP operating permit
Georgia
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- No (owner responsible; a Certified Maintenance Contractor license exists)
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Hawaii
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Yes, active contract with certified operator
- Inspection frequency
- Every 6 months
- Reports go to
- DOH (annual contract copies)
- Filing
- Unknown
Idaho
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Certified service provider required; no homeowner self-maintenance for ETPS
- Inspection frequency
- At least 1 O&M event/yr plus effluent test
- Reports go to
- 7 public health districts
- Filing
- Annual report due July 31
Illinois
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- 2-yr initial service policy only
- Inspection frequency
- 4 visits over 2 yrs
- Reports go to
- None required
- Filing
- None
Indiana
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Operating permits at local discretion; life of system near public waters
- Inspection frequency
- Permit renewal ≤3 yrs; per O&M document
- Reports go to
- Local health department
- Filing
- Owner submits documentation within 1 month
Iowa
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Yes, life of system, manufacturer-certified technician
- Inspection frequency
- 2x/yr at 6-month intervals
- Reports go to
- None by state rule; some counties want a contract copy (e.g., Story)
- Filing
- None
Kansas
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- State none; county codes unverified
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Kentucky
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- Holding tanks only
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Louisiana
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- 2-yr manufacturer policy; perpetual maintenance via extended contract or certified homeowner
- Inspection frequency
- Every 6 months in yrs 1-2
- Reports go to
- LDH state health officer (warranty visits); parishes
- Filing
- After each warranty visit; format unknown; some parish programs (St. Tammany, Calcasieu)
Maine
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- No (NSF 40 listing only)
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Maryland
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Yes, life of system after 5-yr manufacturer O&M; trained owner may self-maintain
- Inspection frequency
- Annual
- Reports go to
- MDE; some counties too (e.g., Talbot)
- Filing
- MDE BAT database, within 30 days (2013 guidance)
Massachusetts
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Yes, life of system, MA-certified wastewater operator (I/A systems)
- Inspection frequency
- Per MassDEP approval: annual (General Use), 2x/yr (Remedial), quarterly (Provisional)
- Reports go to
- Local Board of Health; Barnstable County on Cape Cod
- Filing
- Barnstable County online database (14 towns); MassDEP I/A form elsewhere
Michigan
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- No statewide code; 45 local health departments
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Minnesota
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Management plan for all new systems; operating permits for advanced classes; MPCA-licensed business
- Inspection frequency
- Set in operating permit
- Reports go to
- 185 local units of government
- Filing
- Per permit; county online system in some counties (e.g., Aitkin)
Mississippi
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- ≥2 yrs installer maintenance, then perpetual contract or Qualified Homeowner
- Inspection frequency
- Unconfirmed
- Reports go to
- None found (affidavit, audit-based)
- Filing
- None
Missouri
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- No; annual inspection only recommended
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Montana
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- County-driven (Flathead: perpetual contract by deed restriction)
- Inspection frequency
- Flathead: 2x/yr for 2 yrs, then annual
- Reports go to
- County, on request only
- Filing
- None
Nebraska
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- No
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Nevada
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- Clark County operating permits; 2025 overhaul postponed
- Inspection frequency
- Nitrogen-removal systems: annual inspection/fee
- Reports go to
- SNHD
- Filing
- Not found
New Hampshire
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- One-time contract at approval if the manufacturer requires it
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
New Jersey
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Yes, life of system, ≥1-yr terms; no self-maintenance
- Inspection frequency
- Within 30 days of startup; 2x/yr for 2 yrs; annual after; at transfer
- Reports go to
- County/municipal health administrative authority
- Filing
- Signed form within 30 days; electronic at the authority's discretion; 30-day lapse notice
New Mexico
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Yes, continuous NMED-approved contract with certified provider
- Inspection frequency
- Per manufacturer/permit
- Reports go to
- NMED (as requested); failed system within 5 working days
- Filing
- No portal; contract copies within 30 days; annual permit renewal
New York
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Suffolk County only: current O&M contract, licensed provider
- Inspection frequency
- Suffolk: annual
- Reports go to
- SCDHS (Suffolk)
- Filing
- SCDHS online database (mandatory since 7/2018)
North Carolina
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Yes, for as long as the system is in use (15A NCAC 18E .1303(b)); Type IV, V and VI systems per Table XXXII; certified operator (.1304(a))
- Inspection frequency
- Table XXXII: e.g., 2/yr for LPP (Type IVa) and residential advanced pretreatment ≤1,500 gpd (quarterly in the first year for asterisked Type V rows), up to 12/yr for larger flows
- Reports go to
- Owner, local health department and manufacturer within 30 days of the inspection (.1304(c)); Department data system (.1304(g))
- Filing
- Local health department format (mail, fax or email; e.g., Wake County by email)
North Dakota
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- No
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Ohio
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Yes, for systems installed/altered after 1/1/2015 and NPDES systems
- Inspection frequency
- Per operation permit/manufacturer; NPDES annual sampling
- Reports go to
- Local health districts
- Filing
- District-specific; records within 60 days (unverified); contract non-renewal notice
Oklahoma
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Installer maintains 2 yrs free; then owner solely responsible
- Inspection frequency
- Every 6 months in yrs 1-2
- Reports go to
- Owner only; Edmond requires annual verification to the city
- Filing
- None
Oregon
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Yes, life of system for ATT, manufacturer-certified provider
- Inspection frequency
- 4 visits in 2-yr initial term (Douglas County); annual certification
- Reports go to
- DEQ / county contract agents
- Filing
- Annual certification plus fee filed by provider by DEQ date; 30-day termination notice
Pennsylvania
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Only spray-irrigation systems (management entity); otherwise municipal
- Inspection frequency
- Aerobic tank every 6 months; annual lab test (spray systems)
- Reports go to
- Local agency/municipality
- Filing
- None found
Rhode Island
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Life-of-system O&M agreement when technology approval requires it
- Inspection frequency
- Town-dependent
- Reports go to
- Towns (7 mandate inspections)
- Filing
- Web tracking in 6 towns
South Carolina
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- No (owner responsible; large systems under R.61-9)
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
South Dakota
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- None identified (rule text not fully read)
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Tennessee
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Yes, perpetual, runs with the land, TDEC-approved provider (after 4-yr manufacturer contract)
- Inspection frequency
- Every 3 months
- Reports go to
- TDEC
- Filing
- Annual contract review plus tracking fees; 30-day cancellation notice; per-visit filing unconfirmed
Texas
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Initial two-year service policy, then a renewed contract or single-family homeowner self-maintenance (30 TAC §285.7(c), (d)(4)); local orders may restrict self-maintenance
- Inspection frequency
- At least once every four months; tests may drop to two per year with qualifying electronic monitoring (30 TAC §285.91(4), §285.7(e)(3))
- Reports go to
- Permitting authority (county or other authorized agent) and the owner
- Filing
- Within 14 days after the test (30 TAC §285.7(e)(1)(B)); format set by the permitting authority
Utah
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- Optional local management entity; ≤5-yr operating permits inspected by LHD staff
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
Vermont
Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)- Contract
- Manufacturer-authorized provider per technology approval
- Inspection frequency
- Per technology approval (e.g., 6 months for 2 yrs, then annual)
- Reports go to
- DEC, via manufacturer's annual report
- Filing
- Manufacturer files electronically by April 1
Virginia
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- DPOR-licensed operator required; no self-maintenance
- Inspection frequency
- Annual ≤1,000 gpd; quarterly to 10,000; monthly to 40,000
- Reports go to
- VDH
- Filing
- VDH MyHD web portal, by the 15th of the following month, per-report fee
Washington
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- At local health jurisdiction discretion; provider-performed inspection
- Inspection frequency
- Annual for all non-gravity systems
- Reports go to
- 35 local health jurisdictions
- Filing
- LHJ-approved form; county online reporting systems in Pierce (30 days, late fees), Snohomish and Island
West Virginia
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Yes, perpetual, condition of NPDES coverage (discharging home aeration units)
- Inspection frequency
- Quarterly
- Reports go to
- WVDEP and owner
- Filing
- WVDEP Electronic Submission System referenced; deadline unconfirmed
Wisconsin
Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)- Contract
- Not by state rule; all systems in county tracking programs
- Inspection frequency
- At least every 3 yrs; ATUs generally annual
- Reports go to
- County
- Filing
- Within 30 days; county format (online in some counties, paper elsewhere)
Wyoming
No recurring statewide provider mandate found- Contract
- No
- Inspection frequency
- Not set statewide
- Reports go to
- No statewide filing step found
- Filing
- —
No state matches that filter.
Computed from: 50-state review, Sep 26, 2026; 30 TAC §285.91(4); 15A NCAC 18E .1303(b)
Data refreshed Oct 9, 2026.
Summarizes public rules/records as of Oct 9, 2026; not legal advice; verify with your permitting authority.
What “statewide recurring mandate” means here
Three things together: a contract or a licensed provider is required, there is a set schedule, and a report goes to a regulator. A state with a warranty-period requirement only, or with rules that vary by county or by system type, is counted as partial — not as a mandate — because a provider planning a book of work needs to know which of those they are walking into.
yes: Statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, set schedule, report to a regulator)
partial: Partial or local (warranty period only, some counties, some system types, or no filing step)
no: No recurring statewide provider mandate found
Two rows are current; 48 are a review
Texas and North Carolina were read against the rule text, because those are the two states this product files in and the rules pages behind them are checked line by line. The other 48 come from a Sep 26, 2026 review and each says so on its own row. Treat them as a starting point for a local check, not as an answer.
That is also why there are no per-state pages yet. Forty-eight thin pages built on a review would read as the same kind of evidence as the Texas and North Carolina clusters, and they are not. They arrive when the rows do.
The two states this product files in
Texas: tested at least once every four months (30 TAC §285.91(4), Table IV), with the report to the permitting authority and the owner within 14 days of the test (§285.7(e)(1)(B)).
North Carolina: a certified operator under contract for as long as the system is in use (15A NCAC 18E .1303(b)), the Table XXXII cadence, and the report to the owner, the local health department and the manufacturer within 30 days (.1304(c)).
Common questions
Which states require an aerobic septic maintenance contract?
In our Sep 26, 2026 review, 14 states have a statewide recurring mandate (contract or licensed provider, a set schedule and reports to a regulator), 19 have a partial or local one, and 17 have none found. See the table for each state’s source.
How often must Texas aerobic systems be inspected?
Tested at least once every four months (30 TAC §285.91(4), Table IV), with reports to the permitting authority and owner within 14 days of the test (§285.7(e)(1)(B)).
How long must a North Carolina O&M contract last?
For as long as the system is in use (15A NCAC 18E .1303(b)).