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More than 600,000 Minnesota homes and businesses use septic systems, which treat an estimated 45 billion gallons of wastewater per year. MPCA rules govern how septic systems are designed, installed, and managed. The rules are implemented and enforced through local ordinances by counties, cities, and townships.

SSTS licensed business and certified individual search

Local SSTS program administrators can use the SSTS licensed business search to verify licensure. If you are a system owner, recognize that licensed businesses may work anywhere in Minnesota and are not restricted to the city or county in which they are located. The search results are not intended to be used as advertising.

GovDelivery: SSTS Bulletin MNPCA_11
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Subscribe to the SSTS Bulletin for quarterly updates on the regulation and management of septic systems in Minnesota.

SSTS rules and regulations

Local government units can have requirements that are stricter than the minimum state requirements listed here. Always check with your local government first for SSTS requirements.

For earlier versions of the state SSTS rules, visit Minnesota Revisor rule archives.

Current SSTS rules

Effective Sept. 6, 2016.

  • Chapter 7080: Individual Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (flows up to 5,000 gallons per day [gpd])
  • Chapter 7081: Midsized Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (flows from 5,001 to 10,000 gpd)
  • Chapter 7082: Administrative Requirements of Local SSTS Programs
  • Chapter 7083: Certification/Licensing, Product Registration, Advisory Committee

Minnesota statutes governing SSTS rules

115.55

  • Local ordinance requirements and alternative local standards
  • MPCA rule requirements
  • Enforcement
  • Inspections, complying criteria, disclosure at property transfer

115.551

  • The $25 septic tank fee

115.56

  • Licensing requirements for ISTS professionals
  • MPCA licensing enforcement

Additional rules and regulations

Homeowners

Keep your septic system healthy