Sanitary Drainage Code: Part II

714.0 Damage to Public Sewer or Private Sewage Disposal System.

714.1 Unlawful Practices

Prohibits depositing harmful materials into sewer

714.2 Prohibited Waste Discharge

No rain or surface water is allowed into the drainage system, unless approved. This water can dilute sewage, making treatment less effective, and can overwhelm treatment systems. Overwhelmed systems often must release untreated sewage, despite the environmental harm.

714.3 Prohibited Sewer Connection

No cesspool, septic pit or drain field shall be connected to a public sewer. Private treatment systems must treat sewage to an adequate level before release to the environment.

714.5 Tanks

Tank contents must be removed and disposed to avoid contamination, pollution or other damage. Property owners have a tendency to avoid the expense by not conducting maintenance on sewage tanks, so it is mandated. The state of Washington goes a step further by requiring that septic tanks be pumped out and inspected by the seller prior to a home sale. While this is not required in Oregon, older tanks have potential for deterioration, damage and leakage.