Looking to purchase land for your new home? Call your local government to determine water and sewer availability.

• If there is no public sewer, you're going to need a septic system
• If there is no public water, you're going to need a residential well

Make Sure There is Space to Meet Required Separation Distances

Depending on soil characteristics and house size, the amount of space needed for a septic system varies. For example, sandy soils require less area for your septic system than clay soils. The same is true for a 3 bedroom home versus a 6 bedroom home-the septic system for the 6 bedroom home is going to require more space than that of the 3 bedroom home. Consider the following separation distances, which are required between your septic system and the following:

• Buildings - 5 feet
• Property Line - 5 feet
• Private Well - 75 feet
• Public Well - 100 feet
• Surface Water - 75 feet
• Drainage Ditch - 25 feet

Potential Problem Signs

As you search for property, pay particular attention to any feature that could affect the installation or operation of a septic system.

• Are any parts of the land rocky? Bedrock near the ground surface could make the land unsuitable for a septic system.
• Are there gullies, ravines, excessively steep slopes or other severe topographical conditions?
• Is the land prone to flooding? Are there rivers or streams near the property that are likely to flood?
• Does the land seem to be wet or to hold water? Does surface drainage seem to be a problem?
• Does the land contain designated jurisdictional wetlands? If you are unsure, you may need to contact the US Army Corps of Engineers or SCDHEC Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.
• Do portions of your property contain fill dirt?

What happens if a conventional or alternative standard system can't be issued?

If the property does not meet conventional or alternative standards for a septic system as outlined within Regulation 61-56, you will be provided options to pursue. One of these options is to work with a professional engineer and soil scientist to evaluate the property to determine if the property can support a specialized/engineered system (referred to as the 610 standard). These systems can cost thousands of dollars more than a conventional system and may also require greater separation distances than those listed above. Please note: not all property is suitable for a septic system.

Know before you buy!