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O&M frequently asked questions
Your household sewage and the waters they impact.
What is O&M?
In January 2015, the Ohio Department of Health adopted new rules regarding Home Sewage Treatment Systems (HSTS) in Ohio (Ohio Revised Code: 3718 and Ohio Administrative Code: Chapter 3701-29). These rules require each health department across the state to implement a local Operation and Maintenance (O&M) program to monitor and ensure the proper function of HSTS in their jurisdictions.
Lorain County Public Health (LCPH) works to protect people and the environment by making sure that 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 18,000 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. View permit conditions online.
- Homeowners on the annual billing cycle will receive an invoice in November 2025 that's due January 31, 2026.
- The permit fee for 1 year is $40.
- Homeowners on the 3 year billing cycle have a valid permit through the end of 2026.
- The permit fee for 3 years is $120.
- The 2025 annual billing cycle is now complete. All outstanding fees may be assessed to your property as a special assessment and collected with your 2026 property taxes.
Grants and Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be available to help Lorain County homeowners to replace a failing HSTS 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. Currently, no funding remains for the 2024 grant year; please check back beginning March 1, 2025.
Financial assistance may also be available for homeowners Operation & Maintenance (O&M) permit fees.
Grant and O&M funds are limited, time-sensitive, and available for homeowners who meet income requirements. Please contact Ali Schneider at aschneider@loraincountyhealth.com or 440-610-7334 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
Lorain County Public Health Local Sewage Treatment System Rules
Learn how to properly maintain and operate your HSTS. Read about Commercial Sewage Treatment Systems.
Have a question? Contact the Environmental Health Specialist for your area.
