On-Site Water Protection Branch
Frequently Requested
The On-Site Water Protection Branch, which is part of the N.C. Division of Public Health. Environmental Health Section is responsible for providing regulatory oversight of sub-surface on-site wastewater treatment and dispersal systems, as well as inspection and testing of private drinking water wells constructed, repaired or abandoned, on or after July 1, 2008.Ð’ This program is a joint effort among the local health departments and the On-Site Water Protection Branch. To carry out this mission, the Branch provides statewide regulatory and consultative services related to both the wastewater and private drinking water wells to local health departments and numerous other clients, including builders, developers, land owners, system installers, well drillers, system operators, engineers, soil scientists, geologists, environmental health consultants and others.
The On-Site Water Protection Branch (OSWPB) also develops and implements new, revised or amended statewide regulations. The OSWPB does not deal with surface applications of treated wastewater, treated wastewater that is discharged directly into surface waters, or public water supplies as defined in 15A NCAC 18C (i.e. those serving restaurants, churches, and medical facilities).