Soil And Site Evaluation Report

(Formerly Percolation Test)

All areas in Washburn County not served by municipal sewer are under the jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Private Sewage System Code, COMM 83. A soil evaluation is a prerequisite to obtain a Sanitary permit for the installation of a private sewage system.

The Washburn County Zoning Department recommends that a soil evaluation be completed on all parcels before the property is purchased for building purposes. If the site does not have suitable soils, it will not be suitable for an on site waste disposal system.

What Is A Soil Evaluation?

A soil evaluation is a method used to determine if the site and soil conditions can absorb waste water from a private sewage (septic) system. Waste water is all water that carries waste derived from ordinary living such as toilets, sinks, dishwashers, laundry, etc.

Private sewage system waste water cannot be disposed of into soils which have bedrock or ground water near the surface. These types of soil conditions could cause your well, or your neighbors well to become contaminated. There must be sufficient suitable soil below the system so that the waste water can be properly treated. Disposal of waste water into poorly drained soil may also lead to system failure. These conditions are potential health hazards.