03/05/2026
When Sewer Service is Extended, Septic System Abandonment is Required
When providers extend sewer service to new customers, abandonment of septic systems is required.
Why is it important for septic tanks to be abandoned?
1.
Septic systems that are not properly abandoned can cause pollution issues in groundwater and surface water.
2.
Over time the septic tank will deteriorate, which causes a public safety issue. There have been multiple instances of deaths in North Carolina and across the country from people falling into old septic tank pits, including the deaths of children.
North Carolina Wastewater Rules require septic tanks to be properly abandoned:
15A NCAC 18E .1307 WASTEWATER SYSTEM ABANDONMENT
If a wastewater system is abandoned or is otherwise no longer in use, the tanks shall:
(1) have the contents removed by a septage management firm permitted in accordance with G.S. 130A-291.1;
(2) be removed, collapsed, or otherwise rendered unable to retain liquid, and backfilled; and
(3) have the electrical components de-energized and above ground components removed.
It is recommended that local governments inform their Environmental Health Dept. when septic abandonment occurs, so they can update their data systems accordingly. If possible, obtain written documentation from the firm completing the work to submit to the Environmental Health Dept. In the Mid-East Region, Beaufort County is served by Beaufort County Environmental Health, Bertie and Hertford Counties are served by Albemarle Regional Health Services, Martin County is served by Martin-Tyrrell-Washington District Health, and Pitt County is served by Pitt County Environmental Health.
Most property owners are not aware of septic abandonment requirements. Local governments (and other sewer system owners) should make sure septic abandonment requirements are adhered to when extending sewer service, and should keep the Environmental Health Dept. informed of these projects. These best practices will help keep our communities safe.
It is recommended that a septic abandonment requirement is adopted under the local government’s sewer/wastewater ordinance as a condition of service extension. Staff member education should also occur. The Mid-East Commission is available to assist local governments in the region with ordinance work.
Send a message to learn more