Septic and cesspool help in Charlestown

What Charlestown's ordinance requires

• Inspection at least every three years. That's the baseline. Based on a system's condition, the interval can be set anywhere from one to five years.
• A baseline inspection first. The first maintenance inspection records the system's condition and performance and sets the schedule going forward.
• Pumping when the inspection calls for it, and in any case no less often than once every six years.
• Qualified inspectors only. Inspectors have to complete the University of Rhode Island's septic inspection training and carry liability insurance the town accepts. The town keeps a list.
• Cesspools are considered substandard. New ones are prohibited, and an owner who receives notice has sixty days to apply to DEM for a permit to repair the system.

The ordinance also provides for change-of-ownership inspections, meant to tell a buyer where the system is and how it's working. If you're selling, ask the town's wastewater office what's needed for your transfer.

The salt ponds change the system

Much of Charlestown sits above Ninigret, Green Hill, and Quonochontaug ponds. In the coastal management area for the Salt Ponds, a cesspool that's replaced has to become an advanced system that reduces nitrogen, and Charlestown publishes its own guidance on these denitrification systems. Budget accordingly, and confirm with the town whether your lot is affected. See system types and costs.

Loans

Charlestown takes part in the Community Septic System Loan Program for septic repairs and cesspool replacements. Apply through the town. Loan details.

For seasonal and rental owners

A lot of Charlestown homes are seasonal or rented by the week. The inspection schedule applies either way, and heavy summer use is hard on an undersized system. If you manage the property from elsewhere, say so on the form.

Questions worth asking in Charlestown

• Are you on the town's list of approved inspectors?
• What inspection interval has the town assigned to my system, and when is the next one due?
• When was the tank last pumped, and am I close to the six-year limit?
• Is my lot in the Salt Ponds management area?
• If I'm selling, what does the town need from me before the transfer?

Since the town tracks every system, the fastest way to answer most of these is a call to the wastewater office with your address in hand.

Tell us on the form: whether the home is year-round or seasonal, how close it is to a pond, and when it was last inspected.