On this page: About | Operation and Maintenance (O&M) | Grants and Financial Assistance | Resources for Homeowners | Resources for Contractors | Report a concern with a household sewage system 

Your household sewage and the waters they impact. 

What is O&M? 
Lorain County Public Health (LCPH) works to protect people and the environment by making sure that Home Sewage Treatment Systems (HSTS) work as designed -  if HSTS don't work properly, they may negatively impact local watersheds by adding bacteria and pollution. LCPH is responsible for overseeing the proper maintenance of more than 20,000 HSTS many of which we have limited information about.

All homeowners with a HSTS in Lorain County are required to have an O&M permit issued by LCPH:

• Newly enrolled homeowners will receive a 3 year permit.
• LCPH will send permit information and invoice to homeowners in December 2023.
• The permit fee of $120 are due by January 31, 2024.

What's next? The invoice will be sent by mail or email in December 2023. After payment is received, the permit and permit conditions will be available digitally. 

Grants and Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to help Lorain County homeowners to replace a failing HSTS, or to connect to an existing sanitary sewer and properly abandon their HSTS. This grant program is intended for systems that pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of occupants, the community, and the environment. 

Grant funds are limited, time sensitive, and available for homeowners who meet income requirements. Please contact Jill Lis at jlis@loraincountyhealth.com or 440-322-6367 with questions about financial assistance.

Contact a Contractor for Homeowners  

Factsheets and Information for Homeowners

Forms and Applications for Homeowners 

Forms and Applications for Contractors 

Ohio Department of Health registration

Learn how to properly maintain and operate your HSTS. Read about Commercial Sewage Treatment Systems.

Have a question? Click the map to contact the Environmental Health Specialist for your area.