In Puget Sound, fecal pollution impacts water quality, harvest ability and food safety of shellfish, and presence of viruses in swimming areas. Local health jurisdictions across the Puget Sound region work to educate and provide technical assistance to homeowners with onsite septic systems to prevent pollution concerns before they arise. 

This Progress Indicator tracks the number of onsite sewage systems (OSS) that are compliant with their local inspection mandates. For all standard OSS designs, state code requires an inspection by a certified homeowner or professional every three years. For more complex OSS designs and/or OSS within environmentally sensitive areas, local codes may require an annual inspection by a certified homeowner or professional. 

The data collected for this Progress Indicator illustrate progress in local health jurisdictions supporting the routine inspections of OSS within their jurisdictions. Routine inspections are a critical avenue through which OSS remain operational, thereby protecting environmental and public health. 

This Progress Indicator is in development. 

This Progress Indicator is currently under development.