(PADUCAH, Ky.) — The Purchase District Health Department has released important information for residents buying homes or planning new construction in areas requiring septic systems, emphasizing proper installation to protect public health.
Improper sewage disposal can expose households to dangerous pathogens including E. coli, Hepatitis A, and Giardia, according to health officials. To address concerns, PDHD has published a list of certified installers at purchasehealth.org/enviromental.
Septic systems, which collect and treat wastewater from homes without sewer access, consist of a tank for solids and a lateral field for liquid absorption. While systems typically last 20-30 years, lifespan depends heavily on proper installation and maintenance.
Key Considerations for Buyers
Prospective homebuyers should determine the system’s location, installation date, and repair history. Critically, buyers must verify adequate space exists for future repairs, which must occur in previously unused areas. Swimming pools, fences, and detached garages can eliminate necessary repair space over time.
New Construction Requirements
McCracken County mandates a minimum one-acre lot for new construction using septic systems. Kentucky state law requires repair areas equal to the system’s size, regardless of lot dimensions. Properties with drainage-ways or multiple structures face additional restrictions, with each building requiring its own system and repair area.
Installation Process
Homeowners must first contact their local health department for a $250 soil evaluation. Results, which include system sizing options, are sent to property owners who then hire certified installers. Installers must obtain permits before work begins, and systems require health department inspection before approval.
For more information, residents can contact Purchase District health centers in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman, and McCracken counties.
