Santa Cruz County has opened its annual groundwater monitoring period for properties that rely on on-site wastewater treatment systems.
The testing period, running through Jan. 31, is particularly important for property owners planning to build on undeveloped lots, homeowners undertaking significant remodeling or those planning septic system repairs in areas prone to elevated groundwater.
Property owners wishing to conduct groundwater testing during this period must file an application by Monday, Jan. 12. Using instruments called piezometers to measure underground water pressure, qualified professionals perform this testing at three points during the monitoring window. Property owners submit the data as part of a site evaluation to the county’s environmental health department. Staff there then confirm that new or repaired wastewater systems comply with current county requirements.
County regulations require a minimum vertical separation between the septic drain field and the groundwater level, to protect water quality and public health. The exact specifications depend on soil type, system design and other site conditions. This separation allows soil to filter wastewater before it reaches groundwater. Monitoring is conducted in the winter, the wettest season, when groundwater levels are at their annual peak, to ensure septic systems are properly designed and sited.
Anatola Swan, a registered environmental health specialist with the county, said this testing window is “geared for those already actively engaged in a project” and already consulting with professionals. As a result, the general public should not be concerned about completing this testing within this window. However, Swan emphasizes that for those considering a future project, “it’s key to put this testing on their radar” to get a timely decision from the county.
A list of approved groundwater professionals and county regulations can be found at scceh.org. Those with projects already in progress are encouraged to work closely with their assigned environmental health land-use district inspector and may request scheduling support or clarification by contacting landuse@santacruzcountyca.gov.
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