Mississippi Septic Tank Requirements | What You Need to Know

Septic systems are essential for homes and businesses in rural areas without access to municipal sewage. Understanding Mississippi septic tank requirements ensures compliance with state laws, protects public health, and prevents environmental hazards. This guide covers key regulations, installation rules, maintenance requirements, and common violations.

Table of Contents

• Mississippi Septic System Regulations
• Septic Tank Installation Rules
• Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
• Alternative Septic Systems in Mississippi
• Common Septic Violations and Penalties
• Contact Information
• Septifix
• Septic Permit Links by State

Mississippi Septic System Regulations

Mississippi regulates septic systems to maintain safe wastewater disposal and prevent contamination. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) oversees system installation, permits, and inspections. Local county health departments may have additional regulations, so checking specific county rules is essential.

Choosing the Right Septic Tank for Your Property

Key Laws Governing Septic Systems

• All septic system installations require MSDH approval.
• Property owners must obtain a septic permit before installation.
• Systems must meet specific size and design requirements.
• Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure compliance.

Septic Tank Installation Rules

Permit Process and Requirements

Before installing a septic system in Mississippi, homeowners must apply for a septic permit through MSDH. The process includes:

1. Submitting an application with property details.
2. Scheduling a soil percolation test to assess drainage capacity.
3. Obtaining approval based on site evaluation results.

Preparing Your Site for Installation of a Septic Tank

Septic Tank Size and Design Standards

• Minimum tank size for a single-family home: 750 gallons.
• Larger tanks required for homes with multiple bedrooms or high water usage.
• Drain fields must be properly sized based on soil conditions and household size.
• Systems must be at least 50 feet from water wells and 10 feet from property lines.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Septic System Inspections

Mississippi requires periodic inspections to ensure septic systems function properly. Inspections include:

• Checking for leaks, clogs, or structural damage.
• Measuring sludge and scum levels.
• Ensuring effluent filters are clean and operational.

Pumping and Maintenance Guidelines

• Septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years.
• Systems must not overflow or release untreated wastewater.
• Proper records of maintenance should be kept for future reference.

Alternative Septic Systems in Mississippi

Certain locations in Mississippi require alternative septic systems due to poor soil conditions or high groundwater levels. Options include:

• Aerobic treatment units (ATUs): Use oxygen to break down waste more efficiently.
• Mound systems: Raised drain fields to prevent groundwater contamination.
• Recirculating sand filters: Use sand layers for additional wastewater treatment.

Alternative systems typically cost more but are necessary where traditional septic systems are not viable.

Common Septic Violations and Penalties

Homeowners who fail to comply with Mississippi septic tank requirements may face fines and other consequences. Common violations include:

• Installing a system without a valid permit.
• Failing to maintain and pump the tank regularly.
• Allowing sewage to leak into the environment.
• Not meeting setback or size requirements.

Penalties vary based on the severity of the violation but can include fines, mandatory system upgrades, and legal action.

Contact Information

Wastewater Call Center: 1-855-220-0192

Location

Mississippi State Department of Health
Division of On-Site Wastewater
570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
Jackson, MS 39216

Office: 601‑576‑7150
Fax: 601‑576‑7120

Mailing address

Mississippi State Department of Health
Division of On-Site Wastewater
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700

Conclusion

Understanding and following Mississippi septic tank requirements is essential for property owners. Proper permitting, installation, and maintenance help prevent costly violations and protect the environment. If you’re planning a new system or need maintenance, consult local health authorities to ensure compliance.

Septifix

Septic Permit Links by State

Alabama Septic Tank Permit	https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/onsite/forms.html
Alaska Septic Tank Permit	https://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/engineering/homeowners
Arizona Septic Tank Permit	https://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/water/engineering/oss.html#where
Arkansas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/water/permits/pdfs/subsurface-septic-tank-app.pdf
California Septic Tank Permit	https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/septics/permits.html
Colorado Septic Tank Permit	https://cdphe.colorado.gov/OWTS
Connecticut Septic Tank Permit	https://portal.ct.gov/dph/environmental-health/environmental-engineering/environmental-engineering—-subsurface-sewage#:~:text=Septic%20systems%20on%20sites%20with,CT%20Department%20of%20Public%20Health.
Delaware Septic Tank Permit	https://documents.dnrec.delaware.gov/Water/Septics/forms/septic-system-permit-application.pdf
Florida Septic Tank Permit	https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage/content/onsite-sewage-faq-permitting
Georgia Septic Tank Permit	https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage
Hawaii Septic Tank Permit	https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/epermit/app/#/formversion/a7e3ebf0-6183-4cbb-bc89-e5de66e5f619
Idaho Septic Tank Permit	https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/wastewater/septic-and-septage/
Illinois Septic Tank Permit	https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/forms/water-forms/wastewater-permits.html
Indiana Septic Tank Permit	https://www.in.gov/health/eph/onsite-sewage-systems-program/
Iowa Septic Tank Permit	https://iowacounty.iowa.gov/environmental_health/septic_systems/
Kansas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8966/Septic-Tanks-PDF
Kentucky Septic Tank Permit	https://www.lfchd.org/onsite-sewage-septic-tank-program/
Louisiana Septic Tank Permit	https://ldh.la.gov/news/2088
Maine Septic Tank Permit	https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/plumb/forms.htm
Maryland Septic Tank Permit	https://septicapplication.mde.state.md.us/Public/StatewideSepticApplication
Massachusetts Septic Tank Permit	https://www.mass.gov/lists/title-5-septic-system-forms
Michigan Septic Tank Permit	https://www.dhd10.org/homeowners/apply-for-a-new-wellseptic/
Minnesota Septic Tank Permit	https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/planning-zoning/onsite-wastewater/apply-for-a-septic-permit
Mississippi Septic Tank Permit	https://msdh.ms.gov/page/30,0,78.html
Missouri Septic Tank Permit	https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/onsite/permitappforms.php
Montana Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.mt.gov/twr/assistance
Nebraska Septic Tank Permit	https://onestop.nebraska.gov/onsite-wastewater-septic-permit
Nevada Septic Tank Permit	https://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/ISDS/dta/Permits/Individual_Sewage_Disposal_Systems_-_Permits/
New Hampshire Septic Tank Permit	https://onlineforms.nh.gov/app/#/formversion/e5058738-ce6b-4bab-b5f3-25dc1c33091d
New Jersey Septic Tank Permit	https://dep.nj.gov/dwq/wastewater/septic-systems/professional-information/
New Mexico Septic Tank Permit	https://www.env.nm.gov/septic/apply-for-a-permit/
New York Septic Tank Permit	https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/septic_systems.htm
North Carolina Septic Tank Permit	https://www.carteretcountync.gov/207/Septic-System-Permits
North Dakota Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/2_NDPDES_Permits/6_SepticPumper/sp.aspx
Ohio Septic Tank Permit	https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/sewage-treatment-systems/forms
Oklahoma Septic Tank Permit	https://applications.deq.ok.gov/sewagepermit/
Oregon Septic Tank Permit	https://www.oregon.gov/deq/Residential/Pages/Onsite-Resources.aspx
Pennsylvania Septic Tank Permit	https://www.pa.gov/services/dcnr/request-water-and-septic-installation-and-modifications-to-your-state-forest-leased-campsite.html
Rhode Island Septic Tank Permit	https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/permitting/septic-onsite-wastewater-treatment-owts
South Carolina Septic Tank Permit	https://www.aikencountysc.gov/DspOfc?qOfcID=SCDESS
South Dakota Septic Tank Permit	https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Livestock/FeedlotPermit/Septic/default.aspx
Tennessee Septic Tank Permit	https://www.tn.gov/environment/permit-permits/water-permits1/septic-systems-permits/ssp/permit-water-septic-system-related-permits.html
Texas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/ossf/ossfpermits.html
Utah Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.utah.gov/water-quality/application-forms-for-onsite-professionals-onsite-wastewater-program
Vermont Septic Tank Permit	https://dec.vermont.gov/water/wastewater-systems-and-potable-water-supply-program/wastewater-systems-and-potable-water
Virginia Septic Tank Permit	https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/have-you-considered-using-the-private-sector/
Washington Septic Tank Permit	https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/wastewater-management/forms-publications
West Virginia Septic Tank Permit	https://dep.wv.gov/wwe/permit/Pages/default.aspx
Wisconsin Septic Tank Permit	https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/POWTS/Default.aspx
Wyoming Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.wyoming.gov/water-quality/water-wastewater/permitting/small-wastewater-systems/