Septic Systems/Title 5
Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Septic Systems/Title 5
About Septic Systems & Title 5
Applications & Forms
Innovative/Alternative Technology, new construction and repairs, variances, inspections, and more...
Web page
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General questions about septic systems & the Title 5 regulation.
Web page
Title 5/Septic Systems Glossary
A list of common terms related to septic systems & Title 5.
Web page
Policies & Guidance
Guidance documents and policies related to septic systems and innovative/alternative systems.
Web page
Regulations & Standards
The Title 5 regulation, 310 CMR 15.00.
Web page
Back to Septic Systems/Title 5 index
Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Septic Systems/Title 5
Care & Maintenance
Additives allowed for septic systems
Chemical additives permitted for use in Massachusetts.
Web page
Caring for Your Septic System: A Reference Guide for Homeowners
Proper upkeep of a septic system.
Web page
Consumer protection tips for septic system inspection & repairs
How to hire a system inspector, what to do if your system fails, and more...
Web page
Do's and don'ts for septic systems
Maintenance advice for conventional septic systems (not innovative/alternative systems).
Web page
Failing septic systems can be hazardous to your health
The effects and impacts of failing septic systems to human health and water bodies.
Web page
Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions about septic system maintenance.
Web page
Grease traps
Grease trap maintenance for restaurants and other facilities.
Web page
Grease Trap Advisory
Regulatory advisory on Title 5 and Plumbing Code regarding exterior grease traps. October 2011.
Web page
How often should I pump out my septic tank?
Regular maintenance for your system saves time and money. Find out how to care for your tank.
Web page
Nonresidential septic system users
Information for schools, hospitals, and businesses.
Web page
Save money by maintaining your septic system
Failing systems can be expensive. Learn how to prevent problems through proper maintenance.
Web page
Water softeners
Information and precautions regarding water softener use.
Web page
Back to Septic Systems/Title 5 index
Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Septic Systems/Title 5
Inspections & Repairs
Applications & Forms
Inspection forms, permit forms, and checklists.
Web page
Buying or Selling Property With a Septic System
System Inspection Q&A for buyers and sellers.
Web page
Detailed Q&A on system inspections and property transfers
Web page
Financing FAQs
Availability of financing for the care & maintenance of Title 5 systems.
Web page
Grants & Financial Assistance
Financial assistance options for communities and system owners.
Web page
Local Upgrade Approval FAQs
Find out what a local upgrade approval means for your system.
Web page
Repairs & New Construction FAQs
Title 5 requirements for repairs & new construction.
Web page
System Inspections
Inspections ensure your system functions properly. Find out what your responsibilities are.
Web page
System Inspectors & Soil Evaluators: Classes & Exams
Training information for system inspectors and soil evaluators.
Web page
System Inspectors & Soil Evaluators FAQs
How system inspectors & soil evaluators are approved.
Web page
System Inspector and Soil Evaluator Renewals FAQs
The process for renewing a license for system inspectors and soil evaluators.
Web page
System Inspectors and Soil Evaluators Lists
Lists of licensed system inspectors and soil evaluators.
Web page
Back to Septic Systems/Title 5 index
Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Septic Systems/Title 5
New Construction
Applications & Forms
Construction permits, approvals, and checklists for new construction.
Web page
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to know about repairs and new construction of septic systems?
Web page
Grants & Financial Assistance
Septic systems & treatment plants.
Web page
A personal income tax credit is available for taxpayers who replace or repair a failed septic system in Massachusetts. See the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Directive 01-6: The Title 5 Credit & State-Mandated sewer connections
Web site
Local Septic Management - Homeowner Checklist
Questions you need to ask before hiring a system inspector, contractor or engineer.
Web page
New construction of a septic system
Overview of requirements for building and upgrading a septic system.
Web page
Back to Septic Systems/Title 5 index
Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Septic Systems/Title 5
Innovative/Alternative (I/A) Technology
Applications & Forms
Approval forms for I/A Technology Installations.
Web page
About Innovative & Alternative (I/A) Technology
New technologies can help consumers with failing septic systems or site limitations.
Web page
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Innovative/Alternative System?
Web page
I/A Septic Systems Fact Sheet
Basic information and questions about system maintenance and design.
Web page
I/A Systems for Repairs and New Construction
Using an I/A system to remedy an existing system that's failing or for new construction.
Web page
I/A Technology Approval letters
MassDEP-issued approvals for alternative septic system technologies.
Web page
Innovative Technology Fundamentals Fact Sheet
The basics of innovative technology use in Massachusetts.
Web page
Maintaining & Repairing an I/A System
The importance of maintaining an I/A system, which requires a higher level of maintenance than conventional septic systems.
Web page
MassDEP's Technology Approval Process for I/A Systems
MassDEP has a three-tiered approval process for all new I/A technologies.
Web page
Technologies Currently Approved for Use in Massachusetts
Summary table of I/A technologies approved for use in Massachusetts and options for systems not currently approved.
Web page
Composting Toilets & Greywater
The Use of Composting Toilets in Massachusetts
MS Word 38 KB | PDF 34 KB
Greywater Treatment Efficiency Study
MS Word 1.2 MB | PDF 180 KB
Regulatory requirements for use of composting toilets in Massachusetts.
Web page
Back to Septic Systems/Title 5 index
Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Septic Systems/Title 5
Related Links & Resources
Applications & Forms
Innovative/Alternative Technology, new construction and repairs, variances, inspections, and more
Web page
GIS Maps
Title 5 regulations prohibit the placement of septic systems immediately adjacent to certain resources. These maps display general setback areas from mapped resources; the exact extent of these areas need to be determined on the ground. Zoom into your area of interest to display all the data.
Web site
Grants & Financial Assistance
Financial assistance options for communities and system owners.
Web page
Guidance & Policies
Guidance documents and policies relating to Title 5 and innovative/alternative systems
Web page
Regulations & Standards
The Title 5 regulation, 310 CMR 15.00.
Web page
The Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center
The Test Center evaluates performance and operational costs of new & innovative technologies and assists vendors in getting their technologies approved for use in Massachusetts.
Web site
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
Information about a Massachusetts personal income tax credit for repair or replacement of a failed septic system
Web site
US EPA Draft Handbook for Management of Onsite and Clustered (decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems
Web site
US EPA Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems
Web site
Back to Septic Systems/Title 5 index