If you live in Heber, Park City, or anywhere in Wasatch or Summit County, chances are you’ve heard about septic systems and onsite wastewater treatment. Whether you’re building a new home or updating an existing property, understanding how these systems work—and the options available to you—is essential for keeping your property safe, sanitary, and in compliance with local regulations.

In this post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about septic systems, help you understand the basics of onsite wastewater management, and provide guidance specific to Utah’s unique terrain and housing needs.

What are the three types of septic systems?

There are three main types of septic systems commonly used in Utah and throughout the U.S.:

1. Conventional Systems: These are the most basic type, featuring a septic tank and a gravel or stone drain field. Wastewater is treated naturally as it filters through the soil.
   
2. Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs): These systems use oxygen to break down waste more efficiently than conventional systems. They're ideal for smaller lots or poor soil conditions.
   
3. Mound Systems: Used when there's high groundwater or shallow soil, mound systems involve building an artificial hill to support a drain field.
   

In areas like Heber or Park City, where the landscape may be rocky or sloped, ATUs or mound systems are often necessary to meet local environmental standards and pass perc testing.

What is the meaning of onsite sewage?

Onsite sewage refers to the process of treating and disposing of household wastewater directly on your property—without connecting to a municipal sewer system. Septic systems are the most common form of onsite sewage treatment.

In rural parts of Utah like Wasatch County and Summit County, many homes and cabins rely on onsite systems due to the lack of access to public sewer lines. These systems allow residents to manage waste responsibly while protecting water sources and surrounding land.

What is an onsite wastewater treatment system?

An onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) is the full setup that processes waste from your home. It includes:

• A septic tank: which holds and breaks down solids.
  
• A drain field (or leach field): which disperses treated water into the ground.
  
• Soil or sand: that naturally filters the water before it returns to the water table.
  

Every OWTS is customized to the site it’s installed on, taking into account things like soil type, property size, and local regulations. In Utah, your installer will also conduct a perc test to determine how well your soil absorbs water before designing your system.

What are the three types of wastewater systems?

Besides septic systems, wastewater treatment options fall into three categories:

1. Onsite Wastewater Systems: Like the septic systems described above, these treat waste on the property itself.
   
2. Off-site (Municipal Sewer Systems): Wastewater is piped from your home to a large, centralized treatment facility.
   
3. Alternative Wastewater Systems: These include composting toilets or graywater recycling systems, which are less common but useful in remote or eco-conscious setups.
   

If you live in more remote parts of Utah, such as outside Heber City or on the outskirts of Park City, an onsite wastewater system is often your only practical option. Municipal sewer access is typically limited to more developed areas.

What is the difference between on-site and off-site treatment?

The key difference is location.

• On-site treatment (septic systems) handles everything on your property. It gives homeowners more independence and is ideal for rural areas.
  
• Off-site treatment (city sewer) relies on a network of underground pipes that send wastewater to a central facility.
  

If you're unsure whether you're on a septic system or city sewer, check your utility bill. If you don't pay a sewer fee, you're likely managing wastewater through a septic tank.

What can I use instead of a septic system?

If you can’t install a traditional septic system due to poor soil or limited space, you have a few alternatives:

• Aerobic Treatment Units: As mentioned earlier, these use oxygen and are great for tight or rocky spaces.
  
• Sand Filter Systems: Ideal for areas with high groundwater or slow-draining soil.
  
• Composting Toilets: Best for off-grid living, cabins, or environmentally focused households.
  

These systems still require regular maintenance and inspection, especially in places like Summit County where groundwater protection is a top priority.

What is the best alternative to a septic system?

The best alternative depends on your property. For homes in rocky areas or lots with steep slopes, an aerobic system is often the best choice. These systems are compact, efficient, and approved in many Utah counties.

Homeowners in Park City or other mountainous communities might also consider mound systems or sand filters to overcome challenging terrain and soil.

Local Regulations in Wasatch, Summit, and Utah Counties

If you're a homeowner in Heber, Park City, or anywhere in Wasatch, Summit, or Utah County, understanding local septic system regulations is crucial. Each county has specific requirements to ensure environmental safety and public health.​ 

Navigating the permitting process for septic systems varies by county in Utah. Here's a breakdown:​

Wasatch County:

• Septic System Permit Requirement: As of September 12, 2021, obtaining a Septic System Permit from the Wasatch County Health Department is mandatory before applying for a building permit if your property will utilize a septic system. ​West Fork Construction+1Wasatch County+1
  
• Application Process: Applicants must submit detailed site plans and undergo soil evaluations to assess system suitability.​
  

Summit County:

• Site Evaluations and Percolation Tests: The Summit County Health Department mandates onsite soil evaluations and percolation tests to determine property suitability for wastewater systems. Percolation tests assess soil absorption rates, which are critical for system design. ​Summit County, CO - Official Website+10Summit County Health Department+10oakleyut.gov+10
  
• Setback Requirements: Septic systems must maintain specific distances from property lines, buildings, water wells, and natural water bodies to protect public health and the environment. For instance, systems should be at least 5 feet from property lines and buildings, and 100 feet from drinking water wells and streams. ​andersoneng.com
  

Utah County:

• Health Department Approval: Septic systems must receive written approval from the Utah County Health Department before a building permit is issued. All designs must comply with the department's requirements and the International Plumbing Code. ​Code Publishing+1Provo Municipal Codes+1
  
• Alternative Systems Regulation: Utah County has specific regulations for alternative onsite wastewater systems, aligning with state rules to ensure environmental safety. ​Utah County Health Department
  

Understanding these local regulations is essential for homeowners considering septic systems in these Utah counties. Ensuring compliance not only facilitates a smoother permitting process but also promotes environmental protection and public health.​

Work with Utah’s Local Septic Experts

Understanding your options is the first step toward a healthy, efficient, and environmentally friendly wastewater system. If you live in Heber, Park City, or surrounding areas in Wasatch or Summit County, Regal Service is here to help. We handle everything from perc testing and design to full septic system installations, tailored to your land’s unique conditions.

We’re familiar with local codes, permitting, and soil types—and we’re committed to doing the job right the first time. Whether you’re building a home or upgrading your existing system, trust Regal Service for expert guidance on all your onsite wastewater needs.

Need help choosing the right system for your property?
Contact Regal Service today for a free consultation and site evaluation.