UCO Health issues septic system permits for households that are not served by public sewer. These households usually depend on septic systems to treat and dispose of wastewater.

A septic system is the most common method of sewage treatment for homes and businesses that are not connected to an area wide sewage system. In its basic form, a septic system consists of a septic tank, where solids settle and decompose, and a drainfield where liquid discharged from the tank is treated by bacteria in the soil. More information can be found at Oregon Septic Smart.

UCO Health is also responsible for conducting inspections on these systems to ensure that they are installed properly to provide adequate treatment and prevent sewage exposure to the public.