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1. What is Title V?

The Massachusetts State Environmental Code, Title V is the regulation governing all septic systems in Massachusetts. The Department of Environmental Protection in conjunction with the local Board of Health, are responsible for enforcing the Title V Code. Title V was originally instituted in 1978 and was revised in 1995. In addition to Title V, the Yarmouth Board of Health, in 1978, promulgated the Town of Yarmouth Sewage Disposal Regulations which are more restrictive than Title V. In order to protect our drinking water and swimming beaches, it is important that all septic systems in Yarmouth conform to our local and state regulations.

2. My septic system has failed. What do I do?

Contact a design engineer who will design a new septic system based on the total number of bedrooms for residential properties. The design of the septic system is a multi-step process that usually involves a survey of your property, a soil and percolation test, and a sketch of your house floor plan all of which can take up to two to three months depending on your engineer’s schedule, the backlog of scheduled soil tests, and the review of the final septic plan by the Health Department. The Health Department is available to guide you through this process.

Health Department

3. How often should I pump my septic system?

On average, every three to four years, depending on the use of the property. If your kitchen has a garbage disposal, your system should be pumped yearly.

Please note, make sure your septic system is designed for a garbage disposal.

4. I am selling my house. What is required?

According to the regulations of Title V, all septic systems must be inspected and certified prior to the sale of any property. Homeowners are required to hire a Massachusetts State Certified Inspector who is certified by the DEP to inspect and determine if your septic system meets the minimum standards. Most septic installers and engineers are certified to perform inspections. The septic inspector completes an inspection report with the details of the inspection. This report is provided to the homeowner and the Health Department who reviews the report and issues notices of correction, if warranted. In the event that a new septic system has been installed at the property within two years of the date of sale, an inspection would not be required, however, proof of the septic installation in the form of a Certificate of Compliance issued by the Health Department would be needed. There are certain exemptions from the inspection requirements, if the property is being transferred between family members i.e. between current spouses, between parents and their children, between full siblings, or between the grantor of a revocable or irrevocable trust where at least on of the beneficiaries is of a first degree relationship to the grantor. Please call the Health Department to determine if you qualify for an exemption.

5. I want to add a bedroom / addition to my house. What is requried?

The Health Department, through our office records, will help you determine if your existing septic system is large enough to accommodate your proposed renovations, in addition to meeting the required setbacks. Our office will also determine if your house lot is located within the Town of Yarmouth Zone II Areas of Wellhead Contribution. In general, properties located within this Zone II are limited to one bedroom per 10,000 square feet of land area. For example, a vacant lot of 20,000 square feet that is located within the Zone II is limited to two bedrooms with the installation of a standard Title V septic system. If your existing house and lot do not meet the minimum standard, you may be required to record a Deed Restriction on your property deed, which limits the total number of bedrooms, at the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds. Don’t forget to check with the Building Department to address any zoning issues.

Zone II Areas of Wellhead Contribution

6. I wish to landscape my yard. What do I need to know?

Prior to any landscaping or construction of any additions on your lot, check with the Health Department to determine the location of your septic system. Decks, sheds, and structures of any type cannot be built over the septic system components. These types of structures will prevent access to the septic components for required maintenance and repairs. Additionally, building structures may potentially damage the septic components leading to premature failure. Large plantings, such as trees and shrubs, will also potentially damage the system through excessive root growth that eventually clogs the system. Plants with shallow root systems, such as grass and ornamental flowers, are acceptable.

7. Is there a Tax Credit available for septic system installations?

Yes. In 1997, the legislature passed legislation allowing an income tax credit for septic system repairs for homeowners of residential properties. The total amount of tax credit allowed per tax year is $1500, although any excess credit amount may be applied in the three tax years following the first credit. More information may be obtained through your personal tax preparer or through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

MA Department of Revenue

8. Is there money available for septic pumping and/or replacement of my septic system?

Septic Pumping Reimbursement: This program, administered through the Health Department, provides low income families with monetary reimbursement for the cost of septic pumping. Residents must qualify, based on their total household income as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program. Please contact the Health Department for further information.

Application for Reimbursement

HUD Low Income Limits Chart

Community Septic Loan Program: This program, administered by the Health Department and the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, provides financial help with a five percent interest rate betterment loan, repayable over 20 years, to cover the costs associated with a septic system upgrade. Please contact Kendall Ayers, Program Coordinator at (598) 375-6610 for availability of funds.