On-site Septic Systems

All existing septic systems must be certified by the county prior to a transfer of ownership. It is the responsibility of the seller to arrange for an inspection. If it is determined that updates are needed, the costs associated with those updates are negotiated between the 2 parties.

Septic Permit Application

Upon completion of the Septic Permit Application / Certification Form and any necessary attachments, please sign and date the form and return it, along with payment, in person or by mail to Clay County Environmental Health office, which is located at:
715 11th Street N.
Suite 303
Moorhead, MN 56560

Helpful Information

For further information on septic systems, check out the following websites:

• Onsite Sewage Treatment Program(University of Minnesota Extension)
  • Information for Homeowners
  • Information for Realtors
• Minnesota's Individual Sewer Treatment Systems Program (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)
• Septic System Care and Maintenance (University of Minnesota Extension)
• EPA SepticSmart Program. It is important to maintain septic systems!
• 2013 Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Natural Resources Block Grant (NRBG) All-Detail Report (PDF)

Sewage Code

View the related County Code. The Sewage Treatment Ordinance is under Title 6: Sewage Treatment.