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New Washington septic rules mean more inspections and entire-system replacements in some cases; county to hold homeowner class
Summary
Point Roberts residents were briefed on state septic-law changes that generally require full-system replacement if no permit is on file, require inspections on sale, and increase inspection frequency; the county is offering a homeowner septic class with a $100 rebate and CRAF3 loans may be available for primary residences.
Committee members reviewed recent changes in Washington state septic rules and county implementation steps affecting many Point Roberts properties. The chair explained that under the new rule, "if you don't have a septic permit on file, you can no longer just replace your septic tank. You will be required to replace your entire system," and that any property sale now requires an on-file report confirming system function.
The chair added that gravity systems must be inspected every three years and other systems annually; restaurants and commercial systems will have more frequent sampling requirements. The county is offering a homeowner septic class (limited to 100 seats; preregistration with the Whatcom County Health Department required) and attendees can receive a $100 rebate toward inspection/plumbing work. Committee members also reviewed financing: a CRAF3 loan is available in some cases for primary residences, with example monthly payments discussed during the meeting.
Officials encouraged homeowners to check county online records (site ID or parcel number) to confirm whether a septic permit is on file and to take the homeowner class to learn maintenance and inspection steps. The committee noted that missing or lost historical records (for example due to prior courthouse flooding) mean some owners may be surprised at new replacement requirements.
Next steps: committee members will continue public outreach about the class and county notices; residents with questions were directed to the Whatcom County Health Department website.
