DHHS > Public Health > Env. Health Section > OSWP Branch

On-Site Water Protection Branch

Frequently Requested

The On-Site Water Protection Branch, which is part of the N.C. Division of Public Health, Environmental Health Section is responsible for providing regulatory oversight of sub-surface on-site wastewater treatment and dispersal systems, as well as inspection and testing of private drinking water wells constructed, repaired or abandoned, on or after July 1, 2008. This program is a joint effort among the local health departments and the On-Site Water Protection Branch. To carry out this mission, the Branch provides statewide regulatory and consultative services related to both the wastewater and private drinking water wells to local health departments and numerous other clients, including builders, developers, land owners, system installers, well drillers, system operators, engineers, soil scientists, geologists, environmental health consultants and others.

The On-Site Water Protection Branch (OSWPB) also develops and implements new, revised or amended statewide regulations. The OSWPB does not deal with surface applications of treated wastewater, treated wastewater that is discharged directly into surface waters, or public water supplies as defined in 15A NCAC 18C (i.e. those serving restaurants, churches, and medical facilities).

On-Site Water Protection Branch Information

15A NCA 18E Working Copy - B&W (PDF, 1.50 MB) Updated 9/30/2024
15A NCAC 18E Working Copy - Color (PDF, 1.48 MB) Updated 9/30/2024
Published Sewage Laws: N.C.G.S. 130A-333-345 and Other Relevant Statutes (PDF, 482 KB) Updated 9/23/2024
15A NCAC 18A .3800 Rules Governing Private Drinking Water Well Sampling (PDF, 186 KB)
15A NCAC 18A .0300 Permitting and Inspection of Private Drinking Water Wells (PDF, 140 KB)
Published Private Drinking Water Well Laws: NCGS 87-83-98 (PDF, 114 KB) Updated 9/23/2024
Variance (from DEQ) to Setbacks from Sewer Laterals; Rule 15A NCAC 02C .0107; Standards of Construction: Water Supply Wells (PDF, 292 KB)
Private Permitting Options
- Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) Permit Option
  - GS 130A-336.2: Alternative Wastewater System Approvals for Nonengineered Systems (PDF, 149 KB) Updated 8/10/2023
  - AOWE Common Form (PDF, 75 KB) Updated 7/17/2023
- Engineer Option Permit
  - G.S. 130A-336.1 (PDF, 189 KB) Updated 8/10/2023
  - 15A NCAC 18E .0207 (PDF, 189 KB) Updated 6/6/2024
  - EOP Common Form (PDF, 401 KB) Updated 1/29/2024
On-Site Water Protection Branch
- On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Dispersal Systems Program
  - Approved Products
    - Provisional, Innovative, and Accepted Systems
    - Tanks and Appurtenances
    - Residential Wastewater Treatment Systems
  - EHS On-site Wastewater Authorization Procedures
  - Large and Industrial Process Systems
  - Non-Point Source Pollution Program
    - NPS Resources
      - Maps
      - Checklists, Planning Tools, Training Materials, Presentations
      - Links
    - Potential NPS Pollution from On-site Systems
    - System Management for Pollution Prevention
  - Program Review and Accreditation
  - Resources
    - Laws and Rules
    - QA Toolkit--Wastewater
    - Sample Forms, Letters, and Publications
    - Manpower Studies
    - Design Aids
    - Links
    - Homeowner Materials and Research
    - County On-Site Activity Reports
- Private Water Supply Wells Program
  - EHS Private Well Authorization Procedures
  - Program Review and Accreditation
  - Resources
    - Laws and Rules
    - QA Toolkit--Wells
    - Sample Forms, Letters, and Publications
    - Manpower Studies
    - Well Sampling Resources
    - Links
    - Homeowner Materials and Research
    - County On-Site Activity Reports
- Well Contractors Certification Commission