A bad septic system is a crappy problem 

Septic systems are the unsung heroes of public health, treating wastewater for roughly one in five U.S. homes. 

When functioning properly, your septic system safely filters dangerous bacteria, viruses, and excess nutrients out of household sewage before recycling the water back into the environment. 

The Barry County Health Department helps ensure onsite septic systems are sized and designed to allow for proper treatment of wastewater to protect our community by permitting new systems, replacement systems and repairs. 

To protect your household, community and the environment around you contact the Barry County Health Department at 417-847-2114 before repairing, replacing or installing a septic system.

Septic neglect stinks — literally 

No septic system is designed to last forever, but proper maintenance can greatly extend the life of your septic system. 

A properly functioning septic system will safely filter dangerous bacteria, viruses and excess nutrients before waste is recycled to the environment. To maintain your septic system septic tanks should be pumped at least every 3-5 years. Pumping a septic tank helps the system by removing grease and solids that build up in the tank. 

When grease and solids are not regularly removed from a septic tank, they can end up flowing in to your lateral field leading to costly repairs. If you’re unsure about your septic tank location, the Barry County Health Department has kept records of septic tank location for all permitted septic systems since 1996. 

The Barry County Health Department strives to protect our community and the environment through issuing permits and maintaining detailed records for all new, replacement and repaired septic system in Barry County. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at 417-847-2114.

Protecting our community starts underground: Permit your septic system 

Every time you flush your toilet, run your dishwasher or take a shower, your septic system goes to work. 

When a septic system is designed and installed correctly, it safely treats wastewater and protects your family, community and the environment around you. Permitted septic systems are designed to ensure harmful bacteria, viruses and chemicals are properly treated to protect our community and the environment. 

Contacting the Barry County Health Department to obtain a septic permit is a critical step in any septic project. The Barry County Health Department works to ensure only licensed professionals’ install or repair septic systems in the county, protecting homeowner’s investment into their septic system and the health of our community. 

Skipping a septic system permit to save time or money always backfires. Soil that cannot absorb wastewater will cause sewage to pool on the surface of your lawn. 

Systems installed too deep may not surface, but won’t receive proper treatment before wastewater is returned to the water table, potentially contamination nearby water sources, including wells. 

Following proper permitting procedure and using a license and permitted professional installer works to avoid these issues. 

Whether you are building a new home or replacing an aging system don’t skip getting a permit. 

For more information please contact us at 417-847-2114.

Publisher’s note: This article is courtesy of Barry County Health Department, located at 90 Barry County Drive in Cassville. The Department may be reached at 417-847-2114.