Waukesha County Septic (POWTS) Rules and Fees
Routine Maintenance
This page covers regular POWTS pumping and upkeep, not a real estate transaction.
Every septic system in Waukesha County is enrolled in the county’s POWTS Maintenance Program, run by the Environmental Health Division. That program, not just the state code, is what actually generates the reminder card in your mailbox.
The maintenance cycle
The county pumps and/or inspects each septic tank and lift pump tank on a frequency set by system type, typically once every 3 years for a conventional tank.
All properties with septic systems in Waukesha County are enrolled in the Maintenance Program. Each tank is pumped and/or inspected on a frequency set by system type, typically every 3 years.
Read the code at waukeshacounty.govHow reporting works
A reminder card arrives by mail when service is due. You book a septic maintenance provider, and once the work is done, the provider updates the record electronically in the county’s database. If a card shows up even though the tank was recently serviced, call the provider and ask them to confirm the electronic submission went through before calling the county.
Published fees
Waukesha County is one of the few counties in this list with an itemized public fee schedule that names POWTS-specific charges, not just general permit language.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Sanitary permit, under 3,000 gpd | $551-$1,167 depending on system type |
| Sanitary permit, 5,000 to under 8,000 gpd | $1,167 |
| Sanitary permit, 8,000 gpd or greater | $1,221 |
| Holding tank permit | $869 |
| Sanitary permit transfer or renewal | $170 |
| Septic evaluation only | $175 |
| Well and septic evaluation for real estate transfer | $233 |
Permit, evaluation, and reconstruction fees published above are drawn directly from the county's Environmental Health Fee Schedule. The schedule does not list a separate line-item fee for the maintenance program itself beyond these permit and evaluation charges.
Read the code at waukeshacounty.govCounty contact
Waukesha County Environmental Health Division
515 W Moreland Blvd, Suite AC260, Waukesha, WI 53188
Phone: 262-896-8300
Email: sod@waukeshacounty.gov
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Frequently asked questions
- Who enrolls my property in the maintenance program
- It happens automatically. Every septic system in the county is already in the program, there is nothing to sign up for.
- Does the county charge an annual maintenance fee
- The published fee schedule lists permit, evaluation, and reconstruction fees, not a separate flat annual maintenance charge. Call Environmental Health if your situation does not match a line item above.
- What if I just moved in and never got a card
- Call the Environmental Health Division directly with your address. They keep the system record, not the mail carrier.
For the state-level rule behind this county program, see Wisconsin septic maintenance rules and what a POWTS is. Nearby: Washington County and Ozaukee County.