Onsite Wastewater Program

The Onsite Wastewater Program's mission is to prevent untreated or improperly treated sewage from being discharged into the environment and thus to protect the health of the citizens of Louisiana. The program licenses and regulates onsite wastewater treatment system installers, haulers, sub-manufacturers, and manufacturers of wastewater systems in this state. Sanitarians located in the health units of each parish serve to inform, advise, and operate a permitting system with regard to onsite sewage treatment. Select the Parish Health Units for local contact information.

Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants Information - USDA Rural Development has a loan and grant program available for homeowners who need financial assistance for maintaining or replacing a failing sewage treatment system. This is not a program of the Louisiana Department of Health. 

Private Water Well Initiative Website - Request Private Water Well Samples and/or lending institution letters online.

Highlighted Facts

• A total of 475,299 onsite wastewater treatment systems have been permitted as of August 2023.
• In 2023, 731 installer and maintenance licenses have been issued to qualified individuals.
• To date, 57 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana have enacted onsite sewage ordinances.
• Approximately 54,750,000,000 gallons of wastewater per year is treated by onsite wastewater treatment systems in the state of Louisiana.

Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System Installer Applications

Three types of licenses are issued by the Onsite Wastewater Program (OSWW) including Basic, Combination, and Maintenance licenses. Licenses are issued on an annual basis with the licensing period starting on February 1st and expiring on January 31st. Renewal packets are due in the OSWW office by December 1st; renewals received after December 1st are subject to appropriate late fees. Please see the related item "Licensing Instructions" listed below for details on the licensing procedure.

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Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System Installation Information

There are numerous types of individual onsite wastewater systems that can be utilized for the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage. The following documents are the Louisiana State rules and regulations governing the installation of these different types of systems.

• Design Summary Package 3000 gallons or less
• Distance Requirements
• Service Requirements for ATUs
• Mechanical Plant with ER Field Regulations
• Mechanical Plant with Mound or Drip Regulations
• Mechanical Plant with Overland Flow Regulations
• Mechanical Plant with Rock Plant Filter Regulations
• Mechanical Plant with Spray Irrigation Regulations
• Septic Tank & Field Bed Regulations
• Septic Tank & Oxidation Pond Regulations
• Septic Tank & Sand Filter Regulations

Active Lists

The active installers list shows the current list of installers with basic and/or combination licenses. A basic license is required to install a septic-tank system. A combination license is required to install an aerobic treatment unit (ATU).

Click here for the most current active installers list (updated April 28, 2025).

Any individual sewage treatment system requires proper routine maintenance. Your installer should provide you with a maintenance contract as part of your initial installation and homeowners are required to maintain their systems in perpetuity (for as long as they occupy the dwelling in question). LDH also maintains a list of installers with active endorsements from a system manufacturer. You should choose a maintenance provider who has an endorsement for the type of system that is installed at your residence.

Click here for the most current active maintenance providers list (updated April 28, 2025).

Resources

• Onsite Wastewater Installer's Workshop
• Licensed Manufacturers of Individual Mechanical Treatment Plants
• Licensed Manufacturers of Limited Use Systems (LUS)
• Sewage Complaint Form
• Homeowner Information
• Homeowner Certification
• Permit Application Information
• Forms for Installers
• What to do after a flood and/or power outage?
• Sewerage Treatment Plant Identification Tag Ordering Information

Contact

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