Onsite Sewage Disposal System Program
The Onsite Sewage Disposal System (OSDS) Program helps protect Nevada’s groundwater by regulating how domestic sewage is treated and disposed of on a property. Bureau of Water Pollution Control (BWPC) oversees commercial onsite wastewater systems and issues permits to ensure they are designed, built, and operated safely. This webpage explains what an OSDS is, when a permit is required, how to apply, and where to find county specific guidance and technical resources.
Important update
BWPC has a new application form for the OSDS General Permit.
All applications must use the current form, or they may be rejected.
Need help?
Call BWPC at (775) 687-9418.
Defining Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems
An Onsite Sewage Disposal System (OSDS) is any system — existing or proposed — that treats and disposes of domestic sewage on the same property. This includes standard septic systems, as well as alternative or experimental systems that may use treatment units and effluent absorption areas.
- Visit NAC 445A.9556 (external link)
An OSDS also includes Class V wells (subsection 10 of NAC 445A.849).
- Any injection well outside the stricter Classes I–IV, covering a wide range of industrial, commercial, and environmental injection uses, from sewage disposal to geothermal energy, with varying regulatory oversight depending on the specific use.
- Visit NAC 445A.849 (external link)
OSDS does not include:
- Residential individual sewage disposal systems (NAC 444.764)
- A single-family dwelling; or
- In the case of a commercial system, one or more buildings that are not used as single-family dwellings
- Package treatment plants (NRS 445A.380)
- Systems used for industrial waste
Note: The onsite collection and temporary holding of domestic sewage from commercial operations are permitted under the Holding Tank general permits: Temporary Holding Tank (GNEVTHT09) and Permanent Holding Tank (GNEVPHT09).
Who Needs an OSDS Permit?
OSDS permits are required under U.S. EPA regulations (40 CFR 144). NDEP issues these permits under NAC 445A.950-445A.9706. Subsurface discharges of treated wastewater associated OSDS would be covered under the general permit GNEVOSDS09.
Some facilities may require an Individual Discharge Permit instead of general permit coverage. You may need an individual permit if your system:
- Handles more than 15,000 gallons per day
- Accepts waste other than domestic sewage
- Uses surface disposal
- Is a cluster system serving multiple buildings
Residential Versus Commercial Systems
Residential septic systems
Residential approvals are issued by local health authorities or county building departments, not NDEP.
Visit your county website:
- Washoe County: Visit Northern Nevada Public Health website (external link).
- Clark County: Visit Southern Nevada Health District website (external link).
- Churchill, Eureka, Mineral, Pershing: Visit Central Nevada Health District website (external link)
Commercial Septic Systems
Commercial systems are permitted by BWPC under GNEVOSDS09, except:
- Systems 3,000 gallons or smaller in Nye and Clark counties are permitted locally under existing agreements.
Clark County
Systems 3,000 gallons or less are permitted by the Southern Nevada Health District.
Phone: (702) 759-0660
Email: septics@snhd.org
- Visit Southern Nevada Health District (external link)
Nye County
Systems 3,000 gallons or less are permitted by Nye County Building and Safety.
Pahrump is a Nitrogen Management Area requiring advanced treatment systems.
Phone: (775) 751-6280
Fax: (775) 751-3778
- Visit Building Department | Nye County, NV Official Website (external link)
How to Apply for Coverage
- Determine which form you need
- New systems:
Use the OSDS Application for Design Plan Approval.
- Existing systems:
Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) with pumping logs or inspection reports.
Systems built after 2008 may also need the Design Plan Approval Form.
2. Print and mail your completed form
Applications must be printed and mailed with all supporting materials to NDEP:
OSDS Program Coordinator
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Pollution Control
901 S. Stewart St., Ste. 4001
Carson City, NV 89701
Phone: (775) 687-9418
Fax: (775) 687-4684
3. Engineer requirement
All OSDS must be designed by a Nevada-licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.).
Plans must have a wet stamp, and the engineer must certify installation in writing.
Fees
Application and annual fees are listed on the Water Pollution Control Fees page.
Annual fees are due July 1, with invoices sent in May and June.
Forms, Permit Information, and Resources
• Download OSDS - Notice of Intent (NOI) to Discharge
• Download OSDS - Application for Design Plan Approval
• Download OSDS - Notice of Termination (NOT)
• Download OSDS - General Permit - GNEVOSDS09
• Download OSDS - Factsheet - GNEVOSDS09
• Download OSDS - General Permit Notification
• Download OSDS - Engineering Design Manual
• Visit Publications and Technical Guidance
• Visit Septic Systems (Decentralized/Onsite Systems) | US EPA (external link)