Septic System Homeowner Training
In Whatcom County, property owners can become trained and certified to perform evaluations of their own septic systems. When you take our free training in person or online, you will:
- Qualify to apply for rebates for repairs or maintenance costs for your septic system.
- Qualify to inspect your own septic system depending on the type of system
If your system is not eligible for homeowner evaluation, or you want to hire a professional to complete the evaluation, this class is still for you. The training covers the way septic systems work and provides tips for proper maintenance. You will leave with a good understanding of the basics of how this expensive and important piece of your property works.
Homeowners who took this class said:
"This was enormously helpful. I know 100% more about my system than I did when I arrived."
"Really good class, pictures were great, speaker was knowledgeable."
"Very informative"
"A++"
How to Become Certified
There are two ways to become certified to evaluate your own septic system: in-person or online.
Upcoming Homeowner Trainings:
- ***CANCELLED***
November 6th, 2024 - 6pm - 8pm - East Whatcom County Regional Resource Center - January 15, 2025 - 10am - 12pm - Ferndale WECU
- Additional Dates COMING SOON!
To sign up:
Complete our registration form or call 360-778-6000.
Training Location Addresses:
East Whatcom County Regional Resource Center
8251 Kendall Rd, Maple Falls, WA 98266
Ferndale WECU
5659 Barrett Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248
Point Roberts Community Center
1487 Gulf Rd Point Roberts, WA 98281
The Glen at Maple Falls (Fireside Lodge)
7159 Mount Baker Highway, Deming WA 98244
We have developed Homeowner Online Septic Training (HOST) materials to facilitate online homeowner training and certification. Please follow the steps listed below to complete the process:
- Complete the training online. You will watch a series of instructional videos and then answer questions about the video content. At the end of the training, you will enter your personal and property information and submit it to us. We need this information to connect your training with the property or properties you own. This will certify you to evaluate your septic system and/or provide eligibility for a rebate.
- Provide feedback about the online training.
Submitting an Evaluation after training:
(Please note that if homeowner evaluations are submitted without training they will be rejected).
- Step 1: Print the Homeowner Report of System Status (HROSS) evaluation form (Español, Русский)
- Step 2: Find your permit to help locate your system by using the online document look-up.
- Step 3: Complete your evaluation.
- Fill out the HROSS evaluation form completely.
- Measure the sludge and scum levels in your tank to determine if you need to pump your tank. Directions to make a Sludge Stick and Scum Stick.
- Take clear photos of your opened tank lids and your outlet baffle. Make sure your photos show the level of effluent in your tank at the outlet baffle. Take photos before having your tank pumped. Check out our example photos.
- Step 4: After completing your evaluation, please submit the Homeowner Report of System Status (HROSS) form, the required photos, and the required site sketch (if no permit is on file) to WCHCS. You may submit your HROSS, photos, and site sketch:
- By email to [email protected] or
- In-person or by mail to the WCHCS office at 509 Girard St., Bellingham, WA 98225. An after-hours drop box is available.
- As part of our on-going evaluation process of the Homeowner Operation and Maintenance Certification program, we are following up on the results of HROSS submittals. Our staff may contact you and make a site visit to review your evaluation.
Additional Resources
For more information on how on-site sewage systems work and how to keep them functioning well, take a look at the information provided by these agencies:
- Washington State Department of Health: Videos of a Septic Inspection
- Environmental Protection Agency: Septic Systems (Decentralized/Onsite Systems)
Please contact us at [email protected] if you have difficulty accessing the documents.