Do you own a gravity fed septic system? Did you know it’s required by Clark County that they be inspected every three years and that every other inspection must be performed by a certified operation and maintenance professional?
Next month, North County residents with such systems can save the money of hiring a certified person for their next professional inspection by certifying themselves. Certification is available through participation in a well and septic workshop at the CASEE Center in Brush Prairie from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 16. Attendees will learn tips about maintaining their septic systems and protecting their water supplies. By completing the workshop and taking a short exam, homeowners will be granted certification to professionally perform septic inspections and file them with Clark County Public Health.
“Inspections usually cost around $100, so by getting certified yourself through this $15 workshop, you’re saving a bunch of money,” said Program Coordinator Amber Lefstead.
The septic training will be presented by officials from Clark County Public Health. Lefstead said the course is mostly lecture-based with a few video presentations.
“The test at the end is also very easy. Everyone always passes,” Lefstead said.
Lefstead said beyond the immediate financial savings, becoming certified is a good long-term investment.
“If you have a gravity fed system, you’re going to know how to spot problem areas faster after this workshop and learn how to fix things, not just inspect them,” she said. “You don’t want to ever have to replace a system. That can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
