Home

Septic Systems, Permits and Inspections

What is a septic system?

A septic system is a private sewage system that is located and operated on the homeowner's land. It is most commonly used in rural areas where no integrated sewage system is available.

What do I need to know about septic permits?

The Douglas County Health Department is responsible for the issuance of septic installation permits and the inspection of newly constructed and/or renovated septic systems located in Douglas County. If you are having a new private sewage system installed you MUST obtain a permit even if you (the homeowner) are installing it yourself. After the system is installed, it also must be inspected to be certain that it meets all governing federal, state and local codes.

How do I obtain a permit?

You need to contact the Douglas County Health Department to obtain a permit application. It can be obtained by calling 217-253-4137.

Private Sewage Disposal System Ordinance

An ordinance regulating private sewage disposal systems, the construction and/or reconstruction of such systems, and requiring an annual registration certificate for the private sewage disposal systems contractors within the limits of Douglas County, Illinois. Click here to download the ordinance.

Septic permit/inspection

Download the Private Sewage Disposal System Plan Review Application
Download the Percolation Test Data Form

What about a Soil Evaluation?

  1. Anyone requesting a building permit on a new site that will have waste water output that does not have access to sanitary sewer must have a soil evaluation submitted. After the soil evaluation has been submitted to the office or the health department has signed off on it, a building permit may be issued by the Supervisor of Assessments office.
  2. Anyone with building additions that have added bedrooms must be notified of the seepage change requirements.  Information will be handed out to the applicant and referral to the health department will be made.
  3. Soil evaluator information along with septic information will be available at the Supervisor of Assessments office or the health department for residents review. 

Click here to view a list of Illinois Soil Classifiers for Douglas County.

I already have a septic system. How do I maintain it?

There are a variety of things most people need to know about their septic system. A lot of folks think that once the system is in place, they can forget about it. Unfortunately, that's not true. The following is a list of septic system do's and don'ts.

DO

DON'T

Are there any warning signs that my septic system is malfunctioning?

Yes! Warning signs include:

If you notice any of these warning signs, your system should be evaluated for possible failure.

For more information on septic systems:
Go to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or visit Illinois Department of Public Health