Septic Tanks and Private Drinking Water Wells

Rapid growth in the western part of Palm Beach County continues to result in construction of a large number of new private residences and small businesses. This new construction necessarily utilizes private drinking water wells and septic tanks. Proper onsite sewage treatment and disposal, and the necessary protection of drinking water wells, are vital to maintaining a healthy environment.

The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County is charged with regulating, permitting and monitoring proper onsite sewage treatment and disposal.

Our office, located at Environmental Public Health at 800 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, is responsible for reviewing plans for septic systems, private wells and limited use wells. Plans are reviewed for compliance with all applicable state and county regulations and must be approved by the section before a building permit can be issued. Final inspection and approval of wells and septic systems are forwarded to the section by our field offices and must be recorded in the building department's computer prior to issuing a certificate of occupancy.

Our well program provides regulation in the drilling of both irrigation and potable (drinking water) wells in Palm Beach County. Well drillers submit location plans to our office prior to drilling a well. These are checked to make sure that the well will not be put in, or near, hazardous locations, such as septic tanks or waste water. Upon completion of the well, the driller submits a completion report, and in the case of a drinking well, a satisfactory bacteriological report, to make sure the water is safe to drink. The well is then inspected by our field survey team to make sure it passes all the criteria set, such as the proper construction and safe distances from any hazardous places.

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