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Oregon Septic Smart

Septic Smart logoThe Oregon DEQ is joining efforts with industry professionals and private citizens to help educate Oregonians about the importance of septic systems, septic system inspections and proper septic system maintenance. 

The Oregon Septic Smart Initiative has two main goals:

  1. Provide Oregonians with easy access to important information about their septic systems
  2. Provide Oregonians with easy access to certified industry professionals that perform septic system inspections (Existing System Evaluations)

​​​​​Join Oregon SepticSmart

If you wish to be added to the Oregon Septic Smart list, email the following information to lisa.macgregor@deq.oregon.gov:

  • Certified inspector’s first and last name
  • Name of the inspector’s business
  • City/Town and County of the business
  • Inspector’s email address
  • Inspector’s phone number
  • Certification type, number and expiration date

Approved certifications are: DEQ Installer Certification, DEQ Maintenance Provider Certification, NAWT Wastewater Tech Inspector, Oregon Certified Wastewater Specialist, Oregon Certified Environmental Health Specialist, Licensed Professional Engineer. Anyone with one of these certifications can opt-in to the list. DEQ provides the list to help the public find certified inspectors for their septic systems. Inspectors report their aggregate findings annually (waived for 2021).

Stay Oregon SepticSmart
Due to staff time needed for upgrading DEQ’s licensing and large onsite system permit databases, DEQ will not be requiring a survey reporting inspections this year. You will remain on the current list.

What you need to know 
The Existing System Evaluation Report form must be used when reporting the findings from a septic system evaluation. This form must be filled out completely.  
 
Frequently Asked Questions about existing system evaluation report form and inspections.  
 
Additional Resources
The following materials may be helpful to educate your customers about the importance of septic system inspectors and proper septic system maintenance: 
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​​The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality recommends having your septic system evaluated by a professional if you’re buying or selling a home.

What you need to know? 

Septic system evaluations are voluntary. However, if you do have an evaluation, you must use the approved form. 

Who can provide this service? 

DEQ requires evaluators to be one of the following: An installer, maintenance provider, wastewater specialist, environmental health specialist and National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) certified inspector with experience inspecting existing septic systems. 

A great place to start is our list of professionals who have signed up to be Oregon SepticSmart Inspectors​. Remember to check references.

Frequently Asked Questions about existing system evaluation report form and inspections. ​