Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Maintenance & Servicing Report

The Crawford County Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) Ordinance (Chapter 15) and Wisconsin Administrative Code (SPS 383.50-SPS 383.55) require that all POWTS be inspected every three years to certify that all systems are functioning properly to protect the safety and health of the public. Please contact a local WI licensed service provider (Master Plumber/ Pumper/POWTS Maintainer or Inspector) to schedule an inspection. For a list of local providers, please visit the Crawford County Sanitation webpage.

• Note: Pumping of a POWTS is not required unless the tank volume is greater than or equal to 1/3 of solids and scum or the wastewater reaches 12” below the tank inlet. This is determined by a WI licensed service provider and not a homeowner. All Information below is required for county acceptance. Report must be submitted within 30 days of inspection/maintenance (SPS 383.55 Wis Admin. Code)

Click here to download the Maintenance & Servicing Report

Crawford County Annual Holding Tank Form

The owner of a holding tank is responsible for ensuring its proper operation. Holding tanks are required to be inspected and maintained at a minimum of once every three years. However, any time the tank is serviced (pumped), the county is to receive notice. Holding tanks are required to be pumped when the wastewater in the tank reaches a level of one foot below the inlet invert of the tank. Inspections must be performed by a licensed master plumber, a certified POWTS inspector, a certified septage servicing operator, or a registered POWTS maintainer. Allowing overflow or pumping to the ground surface is illegal. Non-Compliance with this program shall be considered a human health hazard and will result in a citation.

As a courtesy to our landowners, rather than requiring multiple inspection reports be sent throughout the year as pumping/inspection occurs, the annual report can be used to record each maintenance event performed throughout the year. The completed form must be returned to our office by the December 31 of the current year.

Click here to download the Annual Holding Tank Form

Complete the following steps in the permitting process for NEW CONSTRUCTION:

1. Map Review: Contact the County to determine if your parcel is subject to floodplain or shoreland regulations. If so, complete a Zoning Permit Application that can be found on the Crawford County zoning webpage.

2. Town Verification: Request that the County complete a verification form indicating what, if any, County zoning applies to your project. Include this with permit application(s) you submit to the town.

3. Soil and Site Evaluation: Contact a Certified Soil Tester to have a soil and site evaluation completed. The Certified Soil Tester will forward a copy of the report to you, your preferred plumber, and the county.

4. Contact Your Plumber: Your plumber will submit a sanitary permit application for review. Please be aware At-Grade and Mound systems require state approve which takes approximately 4-6 weeks.

5. Sanitary Permit: you will be issued a sanitary permit after your application is reviewed and approved.

6. Site Permit: Contact your town for a site permit. A driveway permit and fire number should also be obtained if one does not already exist. Note: This step is often completed before or at the same time as the soil and site evaluation.

7. Building Permit: Contact your Town’s UDC Building Inspector for a building permit.

8. Contact Your Plumber: Remain in contact with your plumber to schedule the installation of your septic system. The plumber will communicate with the county and schedule an inspection of the septic system at the time of installation.

IF REPLACING AN EXISTING SYSTEM STEPS #3, #4, & #5 WOULD APPLY.

Click here to download the Permitting Process for POWTS

Master Plumbers (MP) (ONLY submitting MP may apply for permit with MP submitted state plans)

Any WI credential holder may provide services for which they are licensed.

This list is not comprehensive nor an endorsement; licensed providers are listed at their request.

If municipal services are unavailable, sanitary permits are required for building/occupancy/zoning permits.

Click here to download the Master Plumber Contact List

SOIL TESTERS (* = also Designer) (ANY MP may apply for permit with designer submitted State plans)

Any WI credential holder may provide services for which they are licensed. This list is not comprehensive nor an endorsement; licensed providers are listed at their request.

Click here to download the Soil Tester Contact List  

SEPTIC PUMPING COMPANIES (WI DNR Septage Hauling Businesses)

Any WI credential holder may provide services for which they are licensed. This list is not comprehensive nor an endorsement; licensed providers are listed at their request.

Click here to download Septic Pumping Companies

Deed restrictions apply to the following...     

1.) Holding Tanks

2.) Non-Plumbing Sanitary Systems

3.) POWTS Per Capita/Occupancy Sizing Affidavit must be recorded on the Deed.

4.) Holding Tank Abandonment - Release Agreement

5.) Easement Agreement 

If one of the above apply to your property, please contact our office at 608-326-0294 and we will mail you the document.  The document requires the owner(s) signature to be notarized and a $30 recording fee payable to the "Crawford County Register of Deeds".

Schedule of Fees: Sanitation & Zoning

Sanitary Permits

Note: State permit fees include a $75 DSPS Administrative Fee and a $25 DNR Ground Water Fee. If rebuilding after a natural disaster, an appeal for a fee reduction or waiver may be made to the Land Conservation, Planning & Zoning Committee. All Floodplain or Shoreland/Wetland (w/in 300’ of navigable water or floodplain) development subject to County & State permit requirements; contact this office to verify. Local permits may be required.

• In-Ground, At-Grade, Mounds, and Holding Tanks ......................................................................................................... $500
• Soil and Site Evaluation Review & Filing .............................................................................................................................$100
• Change of Plumber, Permit Renewal, Revision, Transfer ............................................................................................... $100
• Filter: Add/Modify ................................................................................................................................................................. $200
• Tank Only: Add/Replace of Treatment, Combo, or Dose ................................................................................................ $300
• Component Modification: Treatment or Dispersal .......................................................................................................... $300
• Aerobic Treatment or Disinfection Unit ............................................................................................................................. $550
• Alternative/Experimental POWTS  ...................................................................................................................................... $550
• Non-Plumbing Sanitary Permit ........................................................................................................................................... $250
• Reconnect Permit ................................................................................................................................................................. $200
• Administrative Sanitary Appeal ............................................................................................................................................ $50

POWTS Maintenance Program

• Special Assessment Annual Fee………………………………………………….……… $7 per POWTS
• POWTS Maintenance Servicing Report Late Fee …………………………………..... $100

Zoning Permits

Note: If rebuilding after a natural disaster, an appeal for a fee reduction or waiver may be made to the Land Conservation, Planning & Zoning Committee. All Floodplain or Shoreland/Wetland (w/in 300’ of navigable water or floodplain) development subject to County & State permit requirements; contact this office to verify. Local permits may be required.

• Floodplain Permit……………………………………………………………………………….……………. $100
• Shoreland Permit…………………………………………………………………………………………….. $75
• If your property is subject to both shoreland and floodplain zoning……………………………………. $150
• Administrative Zoning Appeal, Variance, Special Exception or Conditional Use Permit..…………..… $600

After The Fact/Late Permits

Note: The following fees apply to activity that has begun prior to the issuance of a permit.

• First Offence …………………………………………………………………………….………… Double Regular Fees
• Second Offence …………………………………………………………………………………… Triple Regular Fees
• Third Offence ………………………………………………………………………………….…... Triple Regular Fees plus Citation

Note: Offences accrue to property owner regardless of whether offences involve the same property. Offences exonerated if none accrued by property owner within a period of 36 months.

Click here to download a copy of the Schedule of Fees

Sanitary Permit Application

County Sanitary Permit Application

Additional forms and information visit: Department of Safety & Professional Services (POWTS)

Component Manuals/Product Information, etc. visit:  eSLA Public Look-up

When searching for Component Manuals on eSLA -  

• Type of Product: Plumbing Products
• Select Product Description: POWTS Component Manual

Statutes and Rules pertaining to - POWTS Trades Program Administrative Rules and Statutes

Soil Evaluation Report - SBD 8330

Table 383.44.2

SPS 381 - 387

NR 811

NR 812

NR113 Servicing POWTS

Crawford County Lidar

Department of Safety and Professional Services

Environmental Protection Agency

Department of Natural Resources