Overflowing, Failing System or Collapsed Tank Interim Health & Safety Measures
*Please Note – Any service performed on septic systems in Harford County must be completed by an individual who is both Registered as an On-Site Wastewater Professional with the Maryland
Department of the Environment and Licensed to perform such work in Harford County. Homeowners are never allowed to repair or pump out their own septic systems. *
Harford County Code and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) require property owners to maintain their septic systems in a safe, sanitary and functional condition. As a property owner, it is your responsibility to adhere to the following guidelines during a septic failure to ensure that your septic system does not become a detriment to public health and safety until such time that the septic system can be repaired or replaced.
1. Pump the Septic Tank: A property owner must have the septic tank pumped by a licensed liquid waste hauler. The property owner shall continue regular pumping to prevent any additional or
future overflow that would result in raw or partially treated sewage reaching the ground surface.
2. Contain any overflow: A property owner shall, to the best of their ability, prevent the overflow from affecting neighboring properties, by mounding soil around the septic tank or the overflow
area. It is important to avoid contact with the overflow area to reduce exposure to potentially harmful pathogens.
3. Apply hydrated lime: The property owner shall apply hydrated lime to the land area affected by the overflow in order to disinfect the ground surface.
4. Restrict Access: Access should be restricted to the overflow area as soon as reasonably possible. If the failure involves a collapsed septic tank, the property owner must restrict access to the septic
tank by placing an acceptable cover material (i.e., plywood) on top of the septic tank and by roping off the area.
5. Conserve Water: The Health Department recommends conserving the use of household water until such time that the septic system is repaired or replaced. Household appliances like washing
machines, dishwashers, and water conditioning equipment place a heavy load on your septic system and can necessitate additional pumping. Consider washing dishes by hand and using an
alternative location for washing laundry until the septic system is repaired or replaced.
6. Contact a Licensed Professional: A property owner is responsible for contacting a licensed wastewater professional (or septic contractor) to begin corrective actions as soon as reasonably
possible. Work cannot commence until the contractor has obtained a septic permit from the Harford County Health Department.
A property owner who fails to adhere to these guidelines shall be issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) from this office. Failure to comply with the stipulations of the NOV will result in legal action and fines. Every day that such violation(s) exist shall constitute a separate offence. For additional information and resources, please visit our website or contact the Harford County Health Department, Bureau of Environmental Health.
