Rules are practical, not just legal
OSSF rules are meant to prevent wastewater from creating health risks, groundwater problems, surface-water contamination, and system failures. On the exam, rule questions often appear as practical field scenarios.
Common rule areas
- Permit requirements before installation.
- Required site evaluations and approvals.
- Setback distances from wells, property lines, structures, easements, and water features.
- System protection after installation.
- Homeowner misuse that damages the system.
Homeowner recommendations
Safe recommendations usually include conserving water, avoiding grease, not flushing trash, avoiding excessive garbage disposal use, and keeping traffic or structures off the drainfield.