Septic (Onsite Wastewater) Systems

First District Health Unit (FDHU) requires a permit for the installation and/or repair of any part of an onsite sewage treatment systems in Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan, and Ward Counties. A permit must be received prior to any work done on the system. All work must be completed by a FDHU licensed septic contractor or certified property owner.

FDHU Septic Regulations

FDHU Licensed Septic Contractors

The Septic System Permitting Process

When no existing community septic system is available, you must obtain a septic system permit from FDHU when constructing a building that will produce sewage or wastewater.

To apply for a septic system permit fill out the Septic System Permit Application. Provide as much detail as possible when filling out the application and make sure your site has been flagged for utilities as well as marked for proposed building corners, stub out location, well site(s), and property lines or corners BEFORE submitting your application. Failure to do any of these items will delay the permitting process.

There are three ways to submit your completed application and application fees:

- Via email – click here
- Hand deliver or mail to our Minot office: 801 11th Ave SW, Minot ND 58701

To make a credit card payment over the phone call 701-837-5121.

After your application is processed an Environmental Health Practitioner will come to your property to take soil samples and determine a location and design for your septic system. All septic system designs need to be done or approved by FDHU.

Once you receive your permit and design, you can choose to install your own system or hire a septic contractor licensed by FDHU. For a list of licensed septic contractors see the link at the bottom of the page. To see licensure requirements for installing a septic system see section ‘Installer Requirements’.

When installing the system either you or your contractor must contact FDHU prior to backfilling to schedule a final inspection. Without final inspection and approval, your septic will be considered illegal. After the system is installed, the installer will need to submit an As Built Form to FDHU. This form should detail the location and size of the system installed. The form was mailed with the permit and can also be found here.

Installer Requirements

Septic system installers must either be a FDHU licensed septic contractor or certified property owner.

Property Owners: Homeowners installing their own septic system.

All homeowners installing or repairing their own septic system must obtain a permit as specified above under “The Septic System Permitting Process”.

Prior to installing or repairing their own septic system, a homeowner must be certified through the NOWRA online education system. To access the online training course click here.

Once the course is completed, the course completion certificates must be submitted to the FDHU prior to installing the septic system.

Septic Contractors

To receive a Septic Contractor License the following must be completed:

Complete the Septic Contractor License Application & submit to FDHU with the license fee.
Take NOWRA Installer Training here, and provide completed certificates to the Department.

To keep your licensure current the following must be completed:

Pay annual renewal fee when renewal notice is mailed out.
Obtain suitable Continuing Education credits at least every 3 years.

The continuing education requirement can be met by several options:

North Dakota Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NDOWRA) conference. https://ndowra.org/
The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offers a variety of online courses, in-person courses, and a national conference – https://www.nowra.org/education/online-education/
- Any combination of the courses developed by NOWRA can be taken to fulfill the 8-hour requirement (not including the NOWRA A to Z).
- Attendance of an in-person training or conference.
University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program Education – https://septic.umn.edu/
- Attendance of any online or in-person course totaling at least 8 hours.
Others may be considered.

All septic contractors must submit an As Built Form for each system they install. The form should be included with the contractor copy of the permit.

Septic System Owners

For information on understanding how your septic system works and on proper system, see the FDHU’s Homeowner’s Guide. A copy of this guide is included with every permit. FDHU recommends that every septic system owner learn about their system and proper maintenance procedures in order to keep the system functioning properly. For additional resources on maintenance and care please visit epa.gov/septic/septic-system-care-and-maintenance

Septic Tank Pumpers

All businesses and people engaged in the business of removing and disposing of the solid and liquid contents of septic systems must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Health. Additional septic pumper information and the list of North Dakota permitted septic pumpers is found here.

Mortgage Inspection Services

FDHU no longer offers inspection of septic systems to meet mortgage requirements. Many mortgage companies require an inspection to approve loans on homes that are serviced by septic systems. A list of septic system inspectors can be found here.