Onsite Wastewater Disposal Systems in Source Protection Zones

Many entities are involved in the protection of public drinking water sources and the permitting of onsite wastewater systems:

  • DEQ
  • Public Water Systems
  • Local governments
  • Local Health Departments

Below is a graphical representation of the interplay between these authorities.

Infographic: Water Quality Source Protection Diagram
Click for a larger view

Across Utah, development pressures have placed groundwater protection and local development interests at odds with one another, especially in non-sewered areas where onsite wastewater systems (OWS), otherwise known as septic tanks, are the preferred method for addressing wastewater. Protecting groundwater quality is critical because wells and springs are vulnerable to contamination.

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has developed two reports, intended to be complementary to one another, to address this issue:

For additional information on the Division of Drinking Water’s Source Protection program, please visit the About Drinking Water source Protection Program.

For additional information on the Division of Water Quality’s Onsite Wastewater Program, please visit the Onsite Wastewater Program.


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