Residential
Abandonment of Septic Tank and Leach Field

The Individual Sewage Disposal System (ISDS) / septic system may be abandoned due to replacement, failure or connection to municipal sewer.

If a septic system is being replaced, a permit must be obtained. Please see the Residential Septic Tank Permit Application Requirements webpage for information on obtaining a new permit.

If the property is being connected to municipal sewer, provide SNHD with sewer connection paperwork along with the applicable receipts. The active ISDS permit must be closed before you can connect to the municipal sewer.

The health district does not charge a fee to abandon a septic system.

Directions to Abandon a Septic Tank and Leach Field in Place

1. Septic Tank
   
   
   1. Pump and provide pumping receipt to Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) from permitted liquid waste hauler (Phone numbers can be found in the Yellow Pages under “Septic Tanks & Systems – Cleaning”).
      
      
   2. The septic tank can either be crushed or filled with dry earth with proof provided to SNHD in the form of receipts or before and after photos (from the same angle).
      
      
2. Leach Field
   
   
   1. A written letter from the owner or contractor stating that the leach field is abandoned in place.

Note: If the septic tank is within 8 ft of an existing or future structure, it must be pumped and removed to the Apex Landfill or other SNHD approved disposal facility with receipts provided to SNHD. Any part of the leach field within 8 ft (shallow system†) or 20 ft (deep system‡) must also be removed with receipts provided to SNHD as listed above.

Directions to Remove a Septic Tank and Leach Field Due to Conflicts with Structures or Proposed Pool

1. Septic tank and leach field
   
   
   1. Pump tank and provide receipts to SNHD from a SNHD permitted liquid waste hauler.
      
      
   2. Remove septic tank and dispose at the Apex Landfill or other SNHD approved disposal facility.
      
      
   3. Remove any stained soil within 2 ft of the bottom and sides of the entire length and width of the leach field and leach lines and dispose at a SNHD approved disposal facility. Provide SNHD with receipts.

† Shallow System – depth from finished grade to bottom of excavation is less than or equal to 4ft

‡ Deep System – depth from finished grade to bottom of excavation is greater than 4 ft