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  • Backups, Leaks and Odors
    If sewage is backing up inside your home's drains or surfacing outside, or if you notice odors around your home, your septic system may be failing. The most likely culprits: Lack of maintenance - If solid waste builds up too high, it can be forced out of the tank and into the drainfield, where it clogs the gravel and soil. This can cause wastewater to back up or erupt from the ground. Missing,…, See our septic tank maintenance tips., Flooding - What to Do, Example of a leaking septic system as revealed by outlines in the grass. Example of a failed septic system., Your Legal Responsibility, If DES receives a complaint about a failing septic system or tracks a pollution issue to a septic tank, the owner will receive a notice telling them they are in violation of, Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems,,  and must repair their failing septic tank system.  S.C. Department of Environmental Control (DES) does not provide any funding or financing options for individual homeowners to help repair or replace failing septic systems or new home septic system installation., Save Money, Regularly inspecting your septic system and pumping (by, DES licensed septic tank contractors or pumpers, ) are the best and cheapest way to keep your septic system in good working order.
  • Before You Buy Land
    For sale sign Looking to purchase land for your new home? Call your local government to determine water and sewer availability., If there is no public sewer, you're going to need a, septic system, If there is no public water, you're going to need a, residential well, Make Sure There is Space to Meet Required Separation Distances, Depending on soil characteristics and house size, the amount of space needed for a septic system varies. For example, sandy soils require less area for your septic system than clay soils. The same is true for a 3 bedroom home versus a 6 bedroom home-the septic system for the 6 bedroom home is going to require more space than that of the 3 bedroom home. Consider the following separation distances…, Potential Problem Signs, As you search for property, pay particular attention to any feature that could affect the installation or operation of a septic system. Are any parts of the land rocky? Bedrock near the ground surface could make the land unsuitable for a septic system. Are there gullies, ravines, excessively steep slopes or other severe topographical conditions? Is the land prone to flooding? Are there rivers or…, What happens if a conventional or alternative standard system can't be issued?, If the property does not meet conventional or alternative standards for a septic system as outlined within Regulation 61-56, you will be provided options to pursue. One of these options is to work with a professional engineer and soil scientist to evaluate the property to determine if the property can support a specialized/engineered system (referred to as the 610 standard). These systems can…, Know before you buy!
  • Septic Tanks - Regulation, Forms, Fact Sheets
    Regulation, Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems, Forms & Applications, Maintenance Record For Soil Classifiers and Professional Engineers Soil Report Verification Form Soil and Site Evaluation Form Application Checklist for Permit to Construct (Engineered System 610/611) Application Checklist for Permit to Construct (Non-Engineered) For Septic Installers Final Inspection Form Licensed Septic System Installers who perform a self-inspection must submit the Final…, Licenses, Licensing: Onsite Wastewater System Professionals, Fact Sheets, 2022 Updates to R. 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems Onsite Wastewater Systems: Standard 610 Guidelines for Test Pit Construction Recommendations for Properly Abandoning an Onsite Wastewater (Septic) System Homeowner's Guide & Record Keeping Folder
  • South Carolina Government Drone Symposium Returns to Columbia
    South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium (SCiDUC) to host second annual symposium focused on innovation and operational excellence, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium (SCiDUC) is proud to announce its third annual statewide symposium, taking place July 15, 2026, at South Carolina ETV in Columbia. This year’s theme, "LEADING THE FUTURE: Drones, Technology & the Rules of Innovation," highlights how cutting-edge drone technologies are reshaping public…, Quotes, Mark Jahnke, Executive Director of SCiDUC, "The SCiDUC Symposium brings together the people who are shaping the future of public-sector drone operations across South Carolina. By sharing real-world experiences, emerging technologies, and practical solutions, we're helping agencies strengthen their capabilities and better serve their communities." Sallie Williams, SCiDUC President,,  , "As drone technology continues to evolve, public agencies need opportunities to learn from one another and adapt with confidence. This symposium provides a forum for collaboration, innovation, and responsible implementation that supports both mission success and public trust.", About SCiDUC, The South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium (SCiDUC) is dedicated to advancing drone technology across South Carolina state and local government agencies. As a nonprofit managed by public employees, SCiDUC fosters a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence to ensure drone programs are safe, effective, and transformative for public service., Additional Information, SCiDUC homepage: sciduc.org Symposium Homepage: 2026 Symposium | SCiDUC Symposium Schedule: sciduc.org/schedule Symposium Speakers: sciduc.org/symposium-speakers For press inquiries or to request a press pass, please contact Mark Jahnke, Mjahnke@scetv.org . ###
  • SC Watershed Atlas
    Open the SC Watershed Atlas     SCDES's Watershed Atlas has multiple data layers and functions and is mobile-ready. Users can add data, create layers from selected features, export attribute data, view watershed information at their current location, save their sessions, and restore sessions again later. Multiple basemaps, search choices, measuring and drawing tools, map making, printing…, SCWatershedAtlas@des.sc.gov, DISCLAIMER, SCDES maintains the Atlas as a service to the public. While every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information, data may change prior to updating. SCDES provides no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of furnished data.
  • How to Locate a Septic Tank
    Septic tank lid on a lawn, The process to locate a septic tank on property varies by the year a home was built and whether a copy of the septic permit is available. Please see the scenario below and follow their guidance. , For homes built in the last twenty (20) years or less, Contact one of our, SCDES offices, to see if they have a copy of your septic tank permit on file., Provide as much of the information below to speed up the search: Tax map number Lot number Block number Physical address Date system was installed or home was built (if known) Name of original permit holder (if known) Subdivision name (if located in a subdivision) Any person or organization—whether they own the property or not—can submit an Onsite Wastewater System Application (D-1740) through the, ePermitting Portal, . , For homes older than twenty (20) years or if a copy of the septic permit was not able to be located., Please contact a licensed septic contractor to visit the property and assist in identifying the existing septic system. A list of licensed septic installers can be found, here, . 
  • Potentiometric Mapping
  • Homeowner Resources
    What is a Septic System?, A septic system is made up of a tank and a drain field. It is designed to treat and dispose of domestic wastewater through a combination of natural processes. When properly installed and maintained, a septic system can render wastewater ecologically safe., Why are Septic Systems Necessary?, Safe treatment and disposal of domestic wastewater protects public health and the environment while preventing drinking water pollution and the spread of disease. Connection to a wastewater treatment facility is not always available (i.e. rural areas, small communities)., How Does a Septic System Work?, Household wastewater is flushed. Wastewater flows into the septic tank. Heavy and light solids are broken down by bacteria that reside in the septic tank and form the scum and sludge layer. Wastewater flows out of the tank into the drain field (the scum and sludge layers remain in the tank). In the drain field, wastewater is absorbed by the soil and is broken down by natural processes. Septic…, The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) has developed resources for homeowners to learn more on the basics of septic systems and how to manage septic systems effectively. , NOWRA, How to Apply for a Septic System Permit?, For information on how to apply for a septic system permit, please visit our, Permits, Licenses, and Reports, page., South Carolina's Challenge, Some septic systems fail to work properly, usually because of poor maintenance. Don't let yours be one of them — learn how your septic system works and how to care for it., How a Septic Tank System Works, Parts of a Septic Tank System The most common type of septic system has four main parts: drainfield under construction An exit pipe that carries wastewater from the home to the septic tank and vents noxious gases up and out of the house A buried, watertight septic tank made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, usually installed about 6 feet from a home The drain field, which consists of one…
  • Septic Tank Safety Warnings
    Please follow these safety rules at all times. Never lean over a septic tank opening or stick your head into tank to examine its interior - you could become overcome by gases, fall into the tank, and suffocate. Leave tank cleaning and repairs to trained professionals. Never enter a septic tank unless you are specially trained and are wearing special equipment and gear for that purpose, including…
  • Infectious Waste Package, Storage, Transport, Treatment
    How should infectious waste be packaged and stored?, Sharps must be placed in rigid, leak- and puncture-resistant containers secured tightly. All other waste should be stored and maintained in a rigid or semi-rigid leak-proof container. Containers must be strong enough to resist bursting and tearing during handling and transport and must be able to be closed tightly and securely. Plastic bags used inside containers must be red or orange. Reusable…, Transport/Treatment of Waste, Rules:, Containers must be labeled properly before transport. Labeling must be clearly visible and include: Biohazard symbol Infectious Waste Program Registration Number Date the container was placed in storage or sent off-site Words INFECTIOUS WASTE (or BIO-HAZARDOUS WASTE or MEDICAL WASTE). Before waste can be transported, it must be manifested. This manifest must accompany waste at all times after…, Attention, Infectious Waste Registrations and Renewals can now be completed online using ePermitting.  Please use the link below to complete a new registration or renew an existing registration., https://epermitting.des.sc.gov/,  , If you need assistance or have questions please email , infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov, ., Contacts, Infectious Waste Staff: Kim Clyburn, (803)-898-0239 , or Samantha Logan, 803-898-2826 , or Michael Ancrum,  (803) 898-0499 , or Reese Stonebraker,  (803) 898-0482 email: Infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov   Kimberley Noonan , Manager, (803) 898-0493